Pre Modern India Outline # 3: Age of States, Empires, and Heterodoxy

AGE OF STATES, EMPIRES AND HETERODOXIES,

Note: New and important terms have been highlighted in a certain hierarchical system. The crucially important ones are in CAPITALS, BOLD AND ITALICS, the next in importance are in bold and italic, and the other important terms are only in bold. Let me know if you find this system useful!

1. States and the Economy

a. Janapadas to Mahajanapadas.

b. Eastward Movement: Kingship and Non-monarchical States.

c. Economic Changes: Agriculture, Commerce, and Urbanization. Evidence in cities like Kausambi, and finds of Punch Marked Coins, and Northern Black Polished Ware.

d. Rise of MAGADHA to pre-eminence. c. 500 B.C.E.

2 . Magadha and the Mauryas

Bimbisara (contemporary of the Buddha) and his son Ajatshatru who ultimately kills him.

Dynasty of the NANDAS. Mahapadma Nanda 364 B.C.E.

Alexander of Macedonia invades, 326 B.C.E.. Turn Back 325 B.C.E..

CHANDRAGUPTA MAURYAestablishes the Mauryan dynasty 320 B.C.E..

CHANAKYA (a.k.a. Kautalya, real name: Vishnugupta) and his system of statecraft outlined in the ARTHASASTRA, said to play an important role in running the state.

3. ASHOKA 268-233 B.C.E.

Kalinga campaign

Propagation of a new "state" ideology: Rock and Pillar Edicts. Use of Dhamma Mahamatras.

Question: Religion, Politics or Ideology?

4. Heterodox Sects: BUDDHIST, JAINS, and AJIVIKAS

GAUTAMA BUDDHA

Sakhya

Importance of Location

Distinction between monks in SANGHA (monastic organization) and lay folk. Sangha egalitarian, no caste etc. Not so for the lay folk.

Doctrine: Recognition of the Four Noble Truths and following the Eight Fold Path of conduct will lead to the desired Nirvana, or freedom from endless cycles of birth and re-birth.

MAHAVIRA, founder of Jains, born c.540 B.C.E. emphasize Ahimsa (non-violence) so agriculture, e.g., forbidden, hence many in trade. Also had different rules for monks and lay folk.

AJIVIKAS: Ascetics who thought only path to salvation was through renunciation.

5. Heterodoxies (mainly Buddhism) and Indian Society

Social Changes: Caste and Gender in Buddhism.

Political effects: New notions of Kingship, Limiting of Royal Authority.

Question: Social Revolution, Reform, or Status Quo-ism?