Mauryan Society and Literary Sources

The Megasthenese writings delineated a societal structure comprising seven castes: Philosophers, Farmers, Soldiers, Herdsmen, Artisans, Magistrates, and Councillors. However, Megasthenese struggled to grasp the intricacies of Indian society, particularly the distinctions between Jati, Varna, and occupation.

Chatur Varna system governed the societal framework, affording women elevated positions and considerable freedom. Women had the right to divorce and remarry, and some even served as personal bodyguards to the king.

Kautilya, in response to mistreatment of women, prescribed penalties for officials overseeing workshops and prisons. Megasthenes, in contrast, dismissed slavery as a formally recognized institution.

• Craftsmen held a prominent position in growing urban societies.
• The primary occupation of Brahmans was teaching.
• Buddhist monasteries became important educational institutions.
• Notable educational centers included Taxila, Ujjayini, and Varanasi.
• Guilds were commonly utilized for providing technical education.
• Students acquired skills from an early age through guild-based education.

Literary Sources of Mauryan Period

Beyond its renowned emperors, the Mauryan Empire earned distinction for remarkable advancements in art, architecture, literature, and various other domains. This era witnessed a substantial transformation in literacy. A key literary source from the Mauryan period is Kautilya's "Arthashastra." Recognized as Chandragupta's mentor and advisor, Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, provides intricate details about the administrative functions and state policies during Chandragupta's reign in this influential work.

Several literary sources provide insights into the Mauryan period. Notable references include Kautilya's "Arthashastra," Megasthenes' "Indica," the Puranas, as well as Buddhist and Jain Literature.

Arthashastra by Kautilya (Chanakya)

Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, served as Chandragupta's Prime Minister, offering counsel and contributing significantly to the empire's legacy. Not only a political strategist, Kautilya is renowned for crafting the Arthashastra, a comprehensive treatise on leadership and administration. The Arthashastra delineates principles for organizing a state's economics and authority, introducing roles such as the Nagaraka, overseeing Sthanikas and Gopas.

Indica by Megasthenes

Megasthenes, the author of Indica, maintained a positive relationship with Chandragupta. Despite being a Greek Ambassador, Megasthenes was impressed by the administrative prowess of the Mauryas, a sentiment he conveyed in his book.

Puranas

According to the Vishnu Purana, Chandragupta played a pivotal role in the downfall of the Nanda Dynasty.

Buddhist Literature

Buddhist texts, including the Jatakas, Digha Nikaya, and Sumangalavilasini, offer valuable insights into the history of the Mauryan Empire.

Jain Literature

Hemchandra's Jaina Parishishta Parvan provides a detailed account of various aspects of Chandragupta's life, including his adoption of Jainism. Additionally, Acharya Bhadrabahu's Jaina Kalpasutra captures the historical narrative of the Mauryan era.

Mudrarakshasa by Vishakhadatta

During the Gupta dynasty (circa 4th century AD), Vishakhadatta authored Mudrarakshasa. This work unfolds against the backdrop of Chanakya's animosity towards the Nandas and his subsequent support for Chandragupta Maurya. Guided by Chanakya, Chandragupta not only defeated Dhanananda but also dismantled the seemingly impregnable Nanda power.

Literary Sources in Greek and Latin

While Megasthenes' lost work, Indica, remains a crucial foreign literary source on the Mauryan period, historians have turned to later Greek and Latin writings containing authentic quotations from Indica. Strabo (64 BC-19 AD), a geographer, attributed a section of his book to India. Though Strabo notes the marriage between Chandragupta Maurya and Seleucus, he provides limited details about the nature and circumstances of this alliance. Additionally, Strabo references Chandragupta Maurya's female bodyguards.

Famous Poets and Writers in Court

There were many famous poets who contributed to the upliftment of literature of the Mauryan age, including:

• Kalidasa
• Banbhatta
• Vishakhadatta
• Harisena
• Kalhana