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  Mauryan Empire

  Posted by Dikshu Tak on February 17, 2024 at 11:40 am

  How did the Mauryan Empire manipulate the concept of dharma to consolidate power and govern its vast territory?

  brajesh replied 9 months, 1 week ago 2 Members · 1 Reply

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  • Mauryan Empire
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  brajesh

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  February 26, 2024 at 5:16 pm

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  The Mauryan Empire, which existed from around 322 BCE to 185 BCE in ancient India, employed various strategies, including the manipulation of the concept of dharma, to consolidate power and govern its vast territory. Here are some ways in which the Mauryan Empire utilized dharma:

  1. Emperor as the Dharmic Ruler: The Mauryan emperors, particularly Ashoka, presented themselves as righteous and just rulers who upheld dharma. They associated their authority with the divine and claimed to rule in accordance with moral principles. By presenting themselves as dharmic rulers, they sought to legitimize their power and gain the loyalty and support of the people.

  2. Ashoka’s Dhamma: Ashoka, the most prominent Mauryan emperor, promoted his own ethical and moral code called Dhamma (or dharma). He inscribed his edicts throughout the empire, which conveyed principles such as non-violence, respect for elders, religious tolerance, and social harmony. Ashoka’s propagation of Dhamma aimed to create a sense of unity and moral order within the empire, strengthening the central authority.

  3. Moral Governance: The Mauryan administration incorporated dharma into governance practices. Officials and administrators were expected to follow ethical guidelines in their conduct, ensuring fair and just administration. The concept of dharma guided the behavior and responsibilities of officials, promoting a sense of accountability and integrity.

  4. Patronage of Buddhism: Ashoka’s embrace of Buddhism played a significant role in manipulating the concept of dharma. By promoting Buddhism and its moral teachings, Ashoka sought to create a common ethical framework that transcended regional and religious differences. This helped in fostering unity and loyalty to the empire.

  5. Dharmic Welfare Policies: The Mauryan Empire implemented various welfare policies that were aligned with the principles of dharma. The state undertook initiatives such as the construction of wells, roads, rest houses, and hospitals for public welfare. These policies were presented as acts of righteous governance and aimed to win the support and goodwill of the people.

  By utilizing the concept of dharma, the Mauryan Empire sought to consolidate power, create a sense of moral authority, and govern its vast territory effectively. The manipulation of dharma helped in legitimizing the rule of the emperors, promoting a sense of unity, and implementing governance practices that were perceived as fair and just.

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