International Journal of History

Author(s): Anshuman Suman

Abstract: The exploration of Mauryan socio-economic structures through foreign narratives offers an essential perspective on one of India’s most influential ancient empires, providing a complementary lens to indigenous sources. Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador to the Mauryan court, in his work Indica, offers detailed accounts of the political, social, and economic systems of the Mauryan Empire, describing the grandeur of its capital, Pataliputra, and its military and administrative organization. These accounts reveal a society that was highly structured, with distinct divisions based on occupation, a sophisticated urban landscape, and a thriving agricultural economy. Despite their value, foreign narratives come with limitations such as cultural biases, misinterpretations, and a lack of access to rural life, which can skew perceptions of the broader socio-economic reality of the empire. In contrast, indigenous sources like Kautilya’s Arthashastra and Ashokan edicts provide a more systematic and state-driven account of governance, taxation, public welfare, and military strategy. These indigenous sources emphasize the role of the state in regulating and stabilizing the economy, focusing on taxation, infrastructure, law enforcement, and the welfare of citizens through policies like hospitals and animal care. When combined, foreign and indigenous sources offer a more holistic understanding of the Mauryan socio-economic system, revealing the complexities of governance, economic regulation, and social hierarchy. The comparative approach between these sources is not only crucial for historical analysis but also holds relevance today. By examining the Mauryan Empire's strategies of state control over agriculture, trade, and military power, modern scholars can derive insights into contemporary issues of governance, economic management, and social organization, where state intervention continues to play a central role in managing national resources and societal welfare.

DOI: 10.22271/27069109.2025.v7.i4a.393

Pages: 43-46 | Views: 89 | Downloads: 54

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