Question

“The history of Mauryan empire has been constructed on the variety of sources.” Explain the statement.

Answer 1

The history of the Mauryan Empire has been reconstructed through a variety of sources, making it one of the most documented periods of ancient Indian history. These sources include:

• Archaeological evidence: Remains of palaces, pillars, and cities such as Pataliputra.
• Inscriptions: Ashokan edicts that reflect state policy and ethics.
• Literary texts: Works like the Arthashastra by Kautilya and the Indica by Megasthenes provide insights into economy, administration, and society.
• Numismatic evidence: Coins issued by Mauryan rulers help in understanding their economy and trade.

Together, these sources offer a multifaceted view of the Mauryan Empire, covering governance, economy, military, and religion.