Question

Describe the sources of information on the Mauryan period

Answer 1

Literary and the other is Archaeological.

1⟩.Literary

Mudra Rakshasa

• .The book gives an account of how Chandragupta Maurya defeated Nandas with help from Chanakya besides throwing light on socio-economic conditions

Buddhist Literature

• Buddhist texts such as Jatakas reveal socio-economic conditions of Mauryan period while Buddhist chronicles Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa throws light on the role of Ashoka in spreading Buddhism to Sri Lanka.

Puranas

• Puranas reveals us the lists of Mauryan kings and the chronology.

2⟩.Archaeological Sources

Ashokan Edicts

• Ashokan Edicts in the form of Rock Edicts, Pillar Edicts and Cave Inscriptions are found at different places in Indian Sub-continent. These edicts were deciphered by James Princep in 1837 AD.

Material Remains

• Material remains such as NBPW (Northern Black Polished Ware), silver and copper punch-marked coins throws light on Maurya period.

Answer 2

Answer :-

Source of information on Mauryan period -

The Main source are two books -

• Indika
• Arthashastra

Where,

• Indika written by Megasthanes.
• Arthashastra written by Kautilya.

Indika tell as about political social and economic condition of Mauryan Empire .

Arthashastra tell us about how to govern empire.

Ashokan Edicts

The Rock and pillar edicts of emperor Ashoka are also a valuable source.

These were inscribed on Rock and stone pillars.

• Written in bramhi script.
• Mostly in Prakrit language.
• Language easily understood by common people.
• He treated he is subject as his children and himself as their father.
• Edict told people about his idea on administration and religion.

Chandragupta was founder of Mauryan dynasty.

• Chanakya was wise bramhin.
• Chandragupta become king of magadha.