Page 66 - SST Class 06

Although Bindusara and Ashoka took measures writing became clear because of accuracy in
to control the bureaucrats, this failed to check the chronology and sources. Along with this, indige-
oppression in provinces. nous and foreign literary sources were available

Neglect of North-West Frontier in ample form. This empire left records in a large
Ashoka was so busy in carrying our religious number to write the history of this period.
activities that he seldom paid attention to north- Also, some important archaeological findings
west frontier of Mauryan Empire. The Greeks associated with Mauryan Empire, were stone
took advantage of this and set up a kingdom in sculptures; a tremendous example of typical
north Afghanistan which was known as Bactria. Mauryan art. Some scholars suggest that mes-
This was followed by a series of foreign invasion sage on Ashoka inscription was entirely different
which weakened the empire. from most other rulers which is a symbol of
powerful and industrious Ashoka and also he
SIGNIFICANCE OF MAURYAN AGE
was humble more than other (later) rulers who
A new era was opened in Indian History after the
adopted grand titles. So it’s not surprising that
establishment of Mauryan Empire. It was very
leaders of the nation regarded him as an inspiring
first time in history that whole India was politi-
cally united. In addition, from this period, history figure.

Terminology

Camaraderie : mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together
Dissemination : the action or fact of spreading something
Dialect : a particular form of language
Slaughtered : kill people or animals in a violent way
Tenet : larger set of beliefs is based on

Inside Story
Inside Story
g The Maurya Empire was a geographically extensive Iron Age historical power in ancient
India, ruled by the Maurya dynasty from 322 to 185 BCE.
g By 316 BCE, the empire had fully-occupied Northwestern India, defeating and conquering
the satraps left by Alexander.
g An empire is much larger in size to a kingdom.

g In the rock edicts, Ashoka talks about religious freedom and religious tolerance.
g Megasthences mentions seven divisions in society.
g The decline of the Maurya Dynasty was rather rapid after the death of Ashoka/Asoka.
g A new era was opened in Indian History after the establishment of Mauryan Empire.

A. Tick (3) the correct option.
1. The Mauryan Empire was founded in ______________ by Chandragupta Maurya.

(a) 322 BCE (b) 324 BCE (c) 333 BCE

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