Decline of Mauryan Empire

Decline of Mauryan Empire in words of Harsh

Background

The Mauryan Empire was first major empire of the Indian subcontinent which flourished for more than 130 years, from c. 185 BC to c. 322 BC. The rulers of Mauryan kingdom like Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka played a significant in the evolution of Magadha as a powerful state. But this great empire came to an end when Pushyamitra Shunga, the commander of chief of Mauryan Army killed King Brahadratha of Mauryan empire when he was inspecting the troops in broad day light.

Pushyamitra Shunga declared himself as king and laid foundation of a new dynasty, Shunga Dynasty. The disintegration of Mauryan empire has been explained differently by different scholars. Because there is lack of conclusive evidences behind the killing and other larger circumstances prevailing that time.

Also Read : Mauryan Empire – Nature and Polity

Ashoka’s Dhamma – Nature, Character and Impact

Magadha Empire – Urban Administration

Vedic Age – Iron and Pattern of Living

Theory of Brahmanical reaction

This theory was put forward by H.P. Shastri. According to him, Brahmans were responsible for the downfall of the empire as the interests of Brahmans were severely affected by pro-Buddhist approach of the Ashoka. He embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga war. He prohibited the violent rituals and ceremonies which was a source of getting wealth for Brahmans.

These provisions hurt the Brahmans severely as the status of Brahmans was not high as earlier under the predecessors of Ashoka. Pushyamitra was a brahman from his varna, hence, his reaction was the outcome of the same.

Critical Examination of This Theory – The critical examination of this theory revealed that this theory was lacks the elements of truth. The foremost thing is, appointing Pushyamitra as the commander in chief of Army, was the indication that Mauryan rulers were not anti-Brahman in any way. The king Brahadratha was killed in broad day where soldiers of all four Varna were present, but none them opposed Pushyamitra, which indicates not anti-Brahmanical reaction.

And Ashoka clearly ordered his officials to take care of Brahmans and gifts and donations were issued to them. Hence, this theory failed to explain the disintegration of Mauryan empire. 

Pacifism of Ashoka in Decline of Mauryan Empire

This theory was presented by H.C. Roy Chaudhary which states that the pacifist outlook was responsible for the decline of their empire. The Mauryan army remained idle after the Kalinga was because Ashoka had abandoned the policy military conquest. This affects the efficiency of army and the external threats became serious concern for state.

Critical Analysis- Ashoka was not disbanded his army after the Kalinga war. In his 13^th major rock edict, Ashoka warns the frontier tribes to mend their ways otherwise they will face serious consequences. Capital was still prevalent, as per the 1^st Major rock edict of Ashoka 2 peacock and 1 deer was killed in royal kitchen even after Ashoka had adopted the policy of non-violence. The great empire could not continue for more than 75 years after the Kalinga war without a powerful army.

Hence, this theory also not provided a complete picture of the decline of the great empire.

Role of Economic Factors

The research carried out by D.D. Koshambi and other historians revealed that later Mauryan rulers faced a severe economic crisis. The percentage of impurity was increased in the coins issued by the state. According to Patanjali, later rulers encouraged the selling of idols of God and Goddess to fill treasury.

State had to resorted to emotional blackmailing of citizens, which indicated that the economic crisis was really severe. The scarcity of resources affected the strength and effectiveness of civil administration as well as military. Thus, the state could not administer properly which led to disintegration of the state. But economic factor was not the single factor which result in disintegration of state.

Other Factors Involved in the Decline of Mauryan Empire

According to Romila Thapar, the top-heavy administration, weakness of bureaucracy and absence of nationalist consciousness amongst the citizens etc. all doomed the fate of the state. The monarchy was heredity in nature, hence, the person outside the royal family cannot be king. The political system was despotic in nature and such state cannot sustain for longer time. The weak successor also played role in decline of state.

The foreign invasion, around c. 206 BC, as Indo-Greeks started invading India because the China wall was constructed by Chinese rulers to be safe from foreign attacks which turned the direction of Indo-Greeks towards India. The emergence of powerful independent states, as peripheral regions enjoyed so much powers that made them strong with time and they began to rule independently.

One of the major kingdoms that emerged was of Satvahanas. The discontent prevailing in the army was major cause of the killing of king Brahadratha. The evidence of contemporary sources revealed that Mauryan army was suffering from continuous reversals against enemies.

Thus, there are various factors which were responsible for the decline of the Mauryan empire.