Mauryan Empire
I. Chandragupta Maurya
A. Chandragupta Maurya was the founder
of the Mauryan Emprire. He raised an
army of 600,000 soldiers and created the
first empire to unite nearly all of India.
B. He established a rigid bureaucracy with
standardized weights and measures and rules
for the education of doctors.
Bureaucracy:
C. Chandragupta had many enemies. He slept in a different room every
night because he was afraid of assassination attempts.
II. Asoka
A. Asoka was Chandragupta’s grandson. He fought
many wars and continued to increase the size of
the empire. However, in time Asoka became
sickened by bloody battles. He ordered an end
to the fighting and became a Buddhist. At this
Buddhism became the dominant religion in India.
B. Asoka sent missionaries to other kingdoms to
spread the Buddhist faith. However, he promoted
religious tolerance within his own boarders.
C. Asoka reversed many of the policies of his father
and grandfather. He sought to improve the living
conditions for his people. His laws were carved
into stone and set up in public places. These
became known as:
Asoka’s Edicts
Asoka’s Edicts
1. Do not slaughter animals or offer them as a sacrifice.
2. Every place within the kingdom should have access to both medical treatment for humans and medical
treatment for animals. Wherever medical herbs or roots are not available, I have had them
imported and grown.
3. Leaders from all over the kingdom should have good qualities. They should respect their father and
mother, be generous to friends, acquaintances and relatives. The should not kill living beings and
they ought be careful when spending money.
4. Under my rule, there have been fewer wars. There has been better treatment of relatives and fewer
people have harmed or killed living things. These things are important to me. This edict has been
written so that my successors will devote themselves to promoting these things as well.
5. It is more difficult to do good than it is to do evil. Although it is difficult, always strive to do good.
6. Whenever there is a problem in the kingdom, my advisors will tell me of it right away. This will happen
even if I am sleeping or eating. This way I can solve problems as soon as possible.
7. Every person should have the freedom to practice whatever religion is in their heart.
8. In the past the Kings have gone on many vacations. These vacations involved hunting and other
entertainment. Now, however, when I travel I will do good deeds and give away gifts to people I meet.
9. There are many religious ceremonies that people perform that don’t seem to bring much good. The
best thing is to live a good life. You can practice any religious ceremonies you wish but make sure
you live a good life.
10 Glory and fame are not very notable unless you gained them be leading a good life. This is the only
glory or fame that you should strive for. It is much more difficult to try to be a good and humble
person than to try to be an evil person.
11. Always live a good life. Treat servants, employees, family and friends well. Be generous and do not
kill living things.
My edict:
12. Religion is more important than material things.
Always practice your religion but do not speak ill
of other religions.
13. All people, even those outside the kingdom are of
great value. Do not make was with other people
and attempt to conquer them. War brings great
suffering. Live in harmony with people.
14. These edicts were placed throughout the
kingdom as guideline on how to live your life.
If any are repetitive it is only because they are
important.