Later Mauryas (232–185 BCE)

The Later Mauryas, following Ashoka’s reign, governed a fragmented empire with limited historical records. 

• While the Puranas, Buddhist, and Jain literature provide some information, these sources often disagree about their rule. Below is a detailed account of the Later Mauryas, their administration, and the factors leading to the disintegration of the Mauryan Empire.

• Division of the Empire:

  • After Ashoka’s death, the Mauryan Empire was divided into two parts: western and eastern.
  • The eastern part, with Pataliputra as its capital, was ruled by Dasaratha. He dedicated caves in the Nagarjuni hills to the Ajivikas soon after his accession. The Puranas state that his reign lasted eight years.
  • The western region, including north-western provinces like Gandhara and Kashmir, was governed by Kunala. He was succeeded by Samprati, who, according to Jain sources, ruled from both Ujjain and Pataliputra, indicating a shift of the western capital to Ujjain.

• Successive Rulers:

  • A conflict between Antiochus III of Syria and Euthydemus of Bactria during this time highlighted Bactria’s growing power, threatening India’s north-west.
  • While Samprati consolidated power in Pataliputra, trans-Indus principalities seceded from the empire. The Mauryan focus shifted to Magadha, but the dynasty was unable to prevent further fragmentation.
  • Samprati’s nine-year reign was followed by Salisuka, who ruled for thirteen years. Subsequent rulers included Somavarman or Devavarman (seven years), Satadhanvan (eight years), and Brihadratha (seven years). Brihadratha, the last Mauryan ruler, was assassinated by Pushyamitra Sunga in 185 BCE.

Disintegration of the Mauryan Empire

• Social Factors:

• • • The rise of urban culture demanded a more adaptable social organization.
    • Integrating tribes and peoples from peripheral regions into the social framework posed challenges.
    • The rigid Brahmanical varna system denied higher status to the commercial class, exacerbating social divisions.
    • Ashoka’s policies harmed Brahmanical interests. Pushyamitra Sunga’s assassination of Brihadratha represented a Brahmanical reaction to Ashoka’s pro-Buddhist and his successors’ pro-Jain policies.
    • Scholars suggest that Pushyamitra’s actions were not purely a Brahmanical revolt but a response to administrative inefficiencies.

• Political Factors:

• • • Ashoka’s death led to the division of the empire among his sons, resulting in fragmentation and a quick succession of rulers.
    • The efficient administration established by Chandragupta, Bindusara, and Ashoka required strict supervision, which subsequent rulers failed to provide.
    • Political instability allowed regional powers to rise while economic expansion continued.
    • The Dhamma policy’s predominance in governance caused challenges.
    • Dhammamahamattas, influential during Ashoka’s rule, became oppressive, weakening administrative cohesion.
    • The complex spy network of the Mauryan Empire collapsed under later rulers.
    • Some historians argue that Ashoka’s pacifist policies, such as ahimsa (non-violence), contributed to administrative inefficiencies. However, this view is contested as there is no evidence suggesting the demobilization of the army or a complete cessation of capital punishment under Ashoka.

• Economic Factors:

• • Excessive taxation by the state burdened various sections of society.
    • Taxes were even levied on actors and prostitutes, as suggested in the Arthashastra.
    • The need to replenish a depleted treasury led to inflation and debasement of currency, evident from reduced silver content in later Mauryan coins.
  • Despite economic challenges, material evidence indicates economic improvements in many regions.
  • Political instability, especially in the Ganges valley, caused merchants to hoard money, further exacerbating economic strain.
  • The state monopoly on metals declined. Magadha struggled to meet the iron demands of the agrarian economy. Though iron deposits existed in Andhra and Karnataka, extraction was costly.
  • Deforestation and extensive use of forest resources led to environmental issues such as floods and famines. Historical records indicate a significant famine in north Bengal during the Mauryan period.
  • Public expenditure increased significantly under Ashoka, particularly on infrastructure and administrative tours, further straining the treasury.