Free Essay

Dinasti Maurya

In:

Submitted By ivasions
Words 2762
Pages 12
Pendahuluan Tamadun indus merupakan tamadun terawal di India. Tamadun ini bermula kira-kira pada tahun 2350 S.M. Keruntuhan tamadun tersebut dikaitkan dengan serangan orang Aryan (dari utara). Kedatangan orang Aryan ini telah membawa fasa baru dalam sejarah India iaitu bermulanya Zaman Vedik. Nama vedik diambil sempena kelahiran kitab-kitab Veda. Pengaruh Indo-Aryan ini telah membawa kepada kelahiran agama Hindu. Empayar Maurya merupakan empayar yang pertama di India iaitu bermula pada tahun 320 S.M. Chandragupta Maurya merupakan pengasas Empayar maurya. Baginda melahirkan Dinasti Maurya dengan menyatukan kerajaan-kerajaan kecil selepas mengalahkan kerajaan Magadha. Baginda menjadikan Pataliputra sebagai ibu negeri serta pusat pemerintahan. Baginda turut membina angkatan tentera yang terdiri daripada 9000 gajah, 300000 kavalri dan 600000 infantri. Empayar Maurya mencapai kemuncak kegemilangannya dibawah zaman pemerintahan Asoka. Menurut kitab-kitab Buddhisme, Asoka telah membunuh 98 anggota keluarganya dalam usaha mendapatkan takhta. Asoka menjalankan reformasi dalam pentadbiran melalui ‘Dharma-Mahamatra’ dimana pegawai kerajaan di wilayah menjalankan tugas mengikut arahan pusat. Proses pemusatan kuasa ini merupakan proses yang paling berjaya dalam sejarah tamadun India. Empayar yang diasaskan oleh Asoka meliputi seluruh bahagian Utara India termasuk Afghanistan dan Baluchistan. Dalam kajian ini, kami ingin mengkaji latar belakang dan ciri-ciri zaman kegemilangan Dinasti Maurya dari segi ketenteraan, undang-undang, kedudukan ekonomi, sistem social dan agama, pemerintahan dan pentadbiran serta sumbangan Dinasti Maurya terhadap zaman ini.

Bahagian A - Pengenalan
Dinasti Maurya merupakan dinasti kerajaan pertama yang mampu menguasai hampir seluruh daratan India, berdiri atas usaha Chandragupta Maurya. Ia berhasil mengusir koloni-koloni Yunani yang ditinggalkan oleh pasukan Iskandar Agung. Pusat kerajaan ini berada di Pataliputra. Kawasan empayar Maurya meliputi kawasan Teluk Benggala hingga ke pergunungan, manakala wilayahnya mencakup Kabul di utara hingga Khrisna di Selatan. Cara pembentukan empayar Maurya adalah dengan menyatukan kerajaan-kerajaan kecil di India.
Di samping itu, Chandragupta Maurya telah mengubah status Raja kepada Maharaja. Untuk pengetahuan anda, Maharaja terkenal dari dinasti ini adalah Maharaja Asoka. Maharaja Asoka telah memangkitkan kegemilangan empayar Maurya. Sebab kegemilangan Empayar Maurya adalah kerana Maharaja Asoka berjaya menamatkan perang saudara selepas kematian ayahnya, Maharaja Bindusara. Asoka berjaya menaluki Negeri Kalinga. Selepas kejadian perang kalinga, Asoka menekankan keamanan atau kedamaian dan kemajuan sosial. Oleh yang demikian, pembaharuan asoka mewujudkan birokrasi pentadbiran dalam pemerintahan. Asoka telah mewujudkan jawatan pegawai-pegawai khas Dharma Mahamatra atau Dhamma-Mahamatas yang ditugaskan untuk menyebarkan Dharma di kalangan rakyatnya.
Pada waktu yang sama, Dinasti Maurya merupakan zaman yang mengutamakan undang-undang melalui titah raja. Dinasti Maurya merupakan zaman berkonsep keadilan dan kesejahteraan rakyat. Sesungguhpun dikatakan tidak ada banyak bezanya pentadbiran Asoka dengan datuknya, Chandragupta, namun Maharaja Asoka menegaskan prinsip kerajaanya yang mengutamakan kebajikan dan keselamatan rakyat. Undang-undang yang berkaitan diukir pada batu, iaitu Tiang Asoka.
Raja Ashoka berhasil menyelesaikan cita-cita penyatuan India lewat penaklukan berdarah atas Kalinga (sekarang Orissa). Namun begitu, penaklukan ini menimbulkan perasaan bersalah di diri Raja Asoka. Kerana itu dia mengadopsi ajaran Buddha yang dianggap bisa memberikan ketenangan dan memulai era penaklukan melalui dharma, iaitu ajaran kebaikan. Misionaris Buddha dari Asoka menyebar hingga ke seluruh Asia Selatan bahkan ke Sri Lanka.

Peninggalan Seni
Asoka turut memberi sumbangan dalam bidang seni bina. Baginda dikatakan menjadi pengasas dua buah Bandar, iaitu Srinaga di Kashmir dan Lalitapatan di Nepal. Baginda juga membina monastri (kuil) dan kediaman untuk sami-sami Buddha. Pada zaman ini juga terdapat beribu stupa untuk menyimpan bahan-bahan yang berkaitan dengan Buddha.
Pilar dan Tugu Asoka
Pilar dan tugu Asoka merupakan karya seni yang paling menonjol dari masa ini. Meskipun konsep pilar sudah ditemui sebelum Dinasti Maurya dan tetap bertahan setelahnya, namun kapital Asoka adalah suatu ciri yang khas. Salah satu yang masih utuh dan bisa diteliti adalah yang terdapat di Lauriya Namdangarh di Propinsi Bihar. Bentuk kapitalnya adalah kuartet singa yang menduduki lonceng besar terbalik. Keempat singa ini saling membelakangi dan menopang roda besar di atas kepalanya. Kapital Asoka di Lauriya Namdangarh terbuat dari batu pasir setinggi 32 kaki dan berat 50 ton. Perbuatan pilar dan tugu memerlukan pengetahuan teknis yang baik untuk bisa membuat tugu ini berdiri.
Gua Buatan dari Batu Cadas
Bentuk gua buatan dari batu cadas merupakan awal dari Chaitya. Ia dibentuk dengan memotong bagian tengah batu cadas sehingga terbentuk ruang pemujaan. Kemungkinan besar seni bangunan ini adalah pengaruh kebudayaan Persia yang dikenal ahli dalam mengolah batu. Contoh paling baik dari bangunan ini adalah Gua di Lomas Rishi. Meskipun terbuat dari batu, namun motif hiasnya memperlihatkan usaha meniru tekstur kayu. Pintu gua berupa lengkungan yang terlihat seolah menyokong bangunan utama.
Stupa
Stupa telah ditemui dalam periode ini, meskipun masih menjadi bagian dari bangunan lain dan belum menjadi pusat pemujaan. Stupa telah diperbuat untuk menyimpan relik-relik dan abu Buddha dan menjadi pusat pelaksanaan ritual. Puluhan ribu stupa yang dibangun pada masa Maurya akhirnya hilang dimakan usia karena pembuatannya tidak menggunakan pertimbangan bahan yang matang. Penguasa pada masa itu lebih memilih stupa dari kayu daripada batu yang kokoh. Salah satu stupa yang bertahan adalah Stupa Sanchi yang kemudian direnovasi menjadi lebih megah pada periode Dinasti Andhra.

Referensi * Craven, Rove. Indian Art. Thames & Hudson. New York: 1987 * Dehejra, Vidya, Indian Art. Phaidon Press Ltd. London: 1997

Bahagian B - Perbincangan dan Analisis
Angkatan tentera yang kuat
Di bawah pemerintahan Maharaja Asoka(tahun 273-232 S.M), Dinasti Maurya telah mencapai kegemilangaan. Angkatan tentera yang kuat merupakan satu aspek yang menyumbang dalam kegemilangan dinasti Maurya. Raja memegang jawatan pegawai tertinggi dalam angkatan tentera. Angkatan tentera terdiri daripada 600 000 orang askar berjalan kaki, 30 000 orang tentera yang berkereta kuda. Angkatan tentera yang begitu besar telah dibahagikan kepada 30 badan pentadbiran dan 6 lembaga dengan 3 orang ahli dalam satu lembaga.Sebagai contoh,lembaga terdiri daripada tentera laut,tentera darat berjalan kaki,tentera berkuda,tentera bergajah dan tentera berkenderaan yang membekalkan alat-alat senjata. Dengan pembahagian ini, angkatan tentera menjadi lebih sistematik. Askar-askar dinasti maurya dibayar dengan gaji yang tetap.Selain itu,selepas Asoka menganut agama Buddha,beliau tidak lagi agresif dalam bidang ketenteraan.Walaupun beliau mengutamakan sikap toleransi dan berperikemanusiaan,tetapi beliau tidak mengabaikan terus dalam bidang ketenteraan.Untuk menggelakkan wilayah diserang dari luar,Asoka telah menempatkan tenteranya di beberapa kawasan yang penting dan berstrategik.Sebagai contoh,Punjab ditempatkan tentera yang kuat kerana kawasan itu berhampiran dengan pusat pentadbiran dan sentiasa terdedah kepada ancaman luar.

Undang-undang yang teratur
Undang-undang yang teratur amat penting bagi sebuah dinasti yang mencapai kegemilangan.Dengan mempunyai undang-undang yang teratur,keselamatan rakyat dan negera dapat dijaga,ketertiban masyarakat dapat dijamin,dan juga boleh menjamin kedudukan raja untuk memastikan pentadbiran kehakiman dilaksanakan dengan betul. Kitab undang-undang Hindu tertua iaitu Kitab Dharma Sastra digunakan untuk memastikan perjalanan kerajaan serta keberkesanan pentadbiran.Pada zaman kegemilangan dinasti maurya yang di bawah pemerintahan maharaja Asoka,beliau telah menggubal undang-undang Negara dengan dasar Kitab Dharma.Beliau memegang pada konsep kesejahteraan rakyat.Dengan itu, beliau telah menubuhkan sebuah jabatan yang berfungsi untuk menyebar prinsip-prinsip ataupun undang-undang kesagihan.Selain itu, tiang-tiang Asoka telah didirikan di tepi jalan raya supaya dapat dibaca oleh rakyat.Undang-undang atau perintah maharaja disampaikan melalui ukiran pada tiang-tiang Asoka.Denda dijatuhkan berdasar kesalahan yang dilakukan.Kehukuman yang paling keras merupakan hukuman mati.

Kedudukan ekonomi yang kukuh
Perkembangan ekonomi di empayar Maurya bermula pada abad ke-3 S.M. dan berkembang pesat pada abad ke-4 S.M. Dinasti Maurya mempunyai kedudukan ekonomi yang kukuh kerana banyak terlibat dalam bidang pertanian, perlombongan, perdagangan dan perhubungan. Kegiatan ekonomi utama adalah pertanian, perdagangan dan perusahaan. Dalam bidang pertanian, peperangan orang tawanan telah digunakan untuk membuka tanah baru dan menjadi kawasan pertanian. Chandragupta Maurya membenarkan petani-petani mengerjakan satu pertiga daripada hasil pertanian kepada kerajaan. Petani-petani menggunakan tali air untuk mengairi tanah pertanian. Semasa pemerintah Asoka, system ekonomi diperkemaskan lagi dengan menyuruh golongan Sudra membersihkan tanah baru untuk menjadikan kawasan pertanian. Cukai tanah dan cukai ke atas hasil, seperti cukai pengeluaran pertanian dan cukai jalan telah dipernalkan oleh Asoka. Perusahaan utamanya ialah menenum kain kapas, pertukangan gangsa, tembaga, emas, perak dan tembikar. Pada zaman Maurya, perdagangan juga aktif dalam atau luar Negara. Negara-negara seperti Greek, Ceylon, Timur Tengah, China dan Asia Tenggara Terdapat banyak pedagang asing berdagang di India. Emas, perak dan tembaga turut diusahakan. Lombong di daratan dan lombong di lautan jaga dimajukan oleh Maurya. Pegawai-pegawai ditugaskan menjaga kutipan mutiara, berlian dan gara manakala pegawai di daratan melindungi lombong lama di samping mencari lombong baru. Orang India Selatan ialah peniaga yang giat menjalankan perniagaan dengan dunia luar. Pekembang perdagangan turut membantu dalam perkembangan perindustrian di Empayar Maurya. Hal ini telah dibuktikan bahawa Empayar Maurya sememang telah mencapai kecermelangan dalam aspek kegiatan ekonomi sekitar abad keempat sebelum masihi.

Perkembangan dalam sistem sosial dan agama Pada masa Chandragupta Maurya ( 322-298 SM ) , bidang social tersusun sangat baik. Dingding kota Pataliputra dibuat dari balok kayu dan dapat jembatan gantun-guntuk menghubangkan bahagian dalam kota dan luar kota, terletak pada setiap gerbang bermenara yang terletak pada jarak tertentu. Kota ini dibinakan dengan baik dan cantik. Tempat disana juga terdapat warung minum, gedung sandiwara, rumah judi, tempat pacuan kudadan balai pertemuan umum .Selain itu, juga terdapat bazar dan tempat pasar yang besar dagangan dari dalam negeri dan luar negeri. Selain itu, telah mengenai system transpotasi pada waktu itu. Rumah-rumah peristirahatan yang sekaligus dipergunakan sebagai pos-pos pergantian kendaraan. Sepanjang jalan raya pada setiap jarak disana juga didirikan tiang-tiang petunjuk jarak. Disamping itu, telah mengenai sistem perdagangan. Seterusnya, arus perdagangan antar negara amat ramai, terutama dengan Yunani, Romawi, Tiongkok, Mesopotamia. Dapat di simpulkan bahwa kehidupan di bidang sosial pada masa Chandragupta iaitu sudah tersusun sangat baik seperti transportasi yang sangat jelas ditunjukan dengan adanya tiang-tiang petunjuk jarak pada setiap jarak, keadaan tata kota yang sangat baik system, serta sitem perdagangan yang sangat ramai antara negara dan masyarakat juga pegang sistem kasta yang merupakan system sosial dengan kuat. Di bidang keagamaan pada masa Chandragupta dikatakan masyarakat beragama Hindu memuja Heracles, Dionysus, maupun Zeus Ombrios. Dan juga dimaksudkan dengan Dionysus boleh jadi Dewa Siwa, dan Zeus ialah Dewa Indra. Kesimpulanya, pada masa Chandragupta bahawa masyarakat banyak memuja Dewa dalam bidang keagamaan. , dan Dewa local mempuja Dewa. Pada masa Bindusara ( 298-273 SM ) , bidang sosial tidak berbezaan jauh dengan masa Chandragupta, iaitu sudah tersusun sangat baik, seperti keadaan tatakota yang sangat baik, sistem perdagangan yang sangat ramai antara negara, sistem kasta merupakan sistem sosial yang masih dipegang kuat oleh masyarakat dan sistem transportasi yang sangat baik ditunjukan dengan adanya tiang-tiang petunjuk jarak pada setiap jarak tertentu. Dalam bidang keagamaan pada masa Bindusara, juga kurangnya sumber berita tentang Raja ini, tetapi juga dapat disimpulkan bahawa dalam bidang keagamaannya tidak berbezaan jauh dengan masa Chandragupta, masyarakat pada masa Bindusara juga banyak memuja Dewa. Pada masa Asoka ( 273-232 SM ) , bidang social didirikan tonggak-tonggak sabda Raja, juga menanam pohon-pohon pelindung di sepanjang jalan raya, dan membangun rumah-rumah sakit untuk manusia maupun hewan. Lembaga-lembaga sekolah juga didirikan untuk meningkatan pendidikan rakyat-rakyat, terutama yang mengajarkan agama Budha.
Dalam bidang agama pada masa Asoka, adalah berkembangnya agama Budha. Hal ini kerana pada tahun 261 SM, Asoka merebut wilayah terletak di teluk Benggala dengan Kalingga atau Orissa, di katakana bahawa 125 orang di tawan, 100.000 orang mati terbunuh dan berlipat ganda dari semua itu musnah . Tindakan yang di lakukan Asoka tersebut telah membuat proses pemersatuan India dari sang raja yang ingin berkuasa dengan segala kekejaman. Hingga sang raja terpengaruh oleh kebijaksanaan seorang pendeta agama Budha yang bernama Upagupta sehingga raja berubah menjadi orang bijak serta belas kasihan terhadap sesama. Asoka memasuki salah satu aliran Budha dan menjadi seorang biksu serta bertekat mengembangkan ajaran Budha ke seluruh penjuru daerah kekuasaannya.

Sistem Pentadbiran dan Pemerintahan yang Sistematik
Dinasti Maurya (324 S.M-185 S.M) telah melahirkan empayar yang pertama di India. Agama Hindu adalah agama negara di dinasti ini. Dinasti ini didirikan Chandragupta Maurya pada tahun 322 S.M. Pusat pemerintahan berada dekat di aliran Sungai Gangga, Pataliputra. Kerajaan-kerajaan kecil telah diyatukan di bawah pemerintahan Chandragupta Maurya. Hal ini demikian, kerana mengubah status raja kepada maharaja. Oleh sebab keluasan tanah jajahan Dinasti Maurya, Chandragupta Maurya cuba beratur sistem pentadbiran dengan kemas. Pegawai-pengawai yang kebolehan dilantik oleh Chandragupta Maurya dan penasihatnya iaitu Kautilia untuk mentadbir kawasan Dinasti Maurya. Chandragupta Maurya membahagikan Empayar Maurya kepada setiap wilayah yang dipimpim oleh setiap wizurai. Pada peringkat ini, pihak gabenor(Mahatmatra) mentadbir wilayah-wilayah tadi yang dipecahkan kepada beberapa kawasan tertentu. Kawasan dipecahkan kepada daerah-daerah yang lebih kecil. Kemudian daerah-daerah ini dipecahkan lagi kepada peringkat kampung yang unit-unit lebih kecil. Ketua peringkat kampung ialah penghulu (gramini). Dua pengawai iaitu “accountant” dan “tax collector” di peringkat atas dipanggil stanika telah mengawasi daerah dan juga membantu penghulu. Dinasti Maurya memberi sumbangan yang besar dalam India untuk menyatukan kerajaan-kerajaan kecil yang pecat-belah di seluruh utara dan selatan India. Pada masa pemerintahan, Raja Asoka sering diserang oleh Kerajaan Kalinga. Dalam hal ini, Asoka telah mengubah sikap menjadi membenci peperangan. Akhirnya Asoka berjaya menyatukan Kalinga melalui menakluk dan menamatkan perang Kalinga. Ketika pemerintahan Asoka adalah dinasti yang mencapai kemuncak kegemilangan.

Bahagian C - Pandangan Pelajar
Keruntuhan Dinasti Maurya
Dinasti Muarya, dikenal sebagai dinasti yang membawa Kerajaan Magadha pada masa kejayaan dengan melakukan perluasan kekuasaan sehingga hampir menyatukan india melalui peperangannya, sebelum mengalami kemerosotan yang sangat drastik. Faktor mengenai runtuhnya Dinasti Maurya adalah seperti berikut.

1. Pembahagian Empayar Maurya
Penyebab langsung keruntuhan tersebut adalah pembahagian Empayar Maurya menjadi dua bahagian. "Seandainya pembahagian tidak terjadi, pencerobohan Yunani dari Barat Lautbisa sahaja dibendung untuk sementara waktu. Pembahagian kerajaan juga mengganggu berbagai layanan.”

2. Kelemahan Pemerintah Maurya Setelah Asoka
Penggantian penguasa Maurya yang lemah setelah Asoka mengganggu pentadbiran Maurya. Kelemahan pemerintah ini dapat dibayangkan dari kenyataan bahawa sebanyak enam penguasa memerintah dalam kurun waktu 52 tahun Kekaisaran dan akhirnya raja Maurya yang terakhir dibunuh oleh Panglimanya sendiri Pusyamitra Sungha yang kemudian naik takhta dan memulakan kekuasaan Dinasti Sungha.

3. Asoka Bertanggungjawab dalam Kemunduran ini
Banyak sarjana menuduh Asoka sebagai penanggung jawab atas penurunan Dinasti Maurya. HC Raychaudhuri menyatakan bahawa dasar damai Asoka bertanggung jawab kerana menghalang kekuatan empayar. Dia mengatakan: "Dari waktu Bimbisara perang Kalinga sejarah India adalah kisah perluasan Magadha dari negara kecil di Bihar Selatan ke kerajaan raksasa membentang dari kaki Hindukush ke sempadan negara Tamil.
Setelah perang Kalinga terjadi tempoh genangan pada akhir yang proses dibalik. Pentadbiran secara bertahap menyusut luasnya sampai tenggelam ke kedudukan yang Bimbisara dan para penerusnya telah dibangkitkan itu. "
Namun, pandangan Raychaudhuri itu kelihatan tidak dapat dipertahankan, karena Asoka tidak berpaling damai lengkap setelah perang Kalinga mengingat fakta bahwa ia tidak demobilisasi tentara Maurya atau menghapuskan hukuman mati. Asoka hanya menyerah kebijakan imperialis dan berkhutbah non-kekerasan setelah perang Kalinga. Pasifisme praktik juga bertanggung jawab atas penurunan Dinasti Maurya.
Harprasad Sastri memegang pandangan bahwa penurunan Kekaisaran Maurya adalah hasil daripada pemberontakan brahmanis kerana larangan pengorbanan haiwan dan merosakkan prestij Brahmana dengan "mendedahkan mereka sebagai dewa-dewa palsu". Tapi pandangan Sastri hanyalah andaian kerana pertama, Brahmanisme sendiri menekankan non-kekerasan dan kedua, Asoka hanya melarang penyembelihan haiwan pada hari-hari tertentu. Kemudian lagi sering permintaan Asoka dalam piagam-piagamnya untuk hormat untuk Brahmana dan Sramanas hampir menunjuk ke keberadaannya anti-Brahmana-manical dalam pandangan.

4. Tekanan Pada Ekonomi Maurya
D.D. Kosambi berpendapat bahwa telah terjadi tekanan terhadap perekonomian Maurya. Dapat dilihat dari tingginya pajak yang ditarik serta perdagangan yang lemah.

5. Pentadbiran yang sangat terpusat
Prof Romila Thapar berpandangan: "sistem pentadbiran Maurya begitu terpusat yang memungkinkan penguasa mampu menggunakannya baik untuk keuntungan peribadi mahupun kepentingan Kerajaan Magadha sendiri, pada tingkat yang sama itu boleh menjadi berbahaya bila penguasa yang lemah kehilangan kawalan pusat dan kemungkinan terjadi kehancuran.
Pusat kawalan Maurya yang lemah kemudian menyebabkan kelemahan pentadbiran secara secara langsung. Pembahagian kekuasaan setelah kematian Asoka telah memberikan pukulan lebih lanjut kepada pemerintah Maurya yang terpusat di bawah penguasa yang lemah, yang mengarah ke penurunan dan perpecahan Kekuasaan Maurya.
Faktor lain yang menyebabkan penurunan Dinasti Muarya telah digambarkan dalam pemberontakan kaum brahmanis terhadap kelompok dasar Pro-Budhis Asoka serta para pengikutnya. Pemberontakan rakyat terhadap pemerintahan Maurya setelah kematian Asoka.

Rujukan
Writer. 2011. What were the causes for the decline of the Mauryan Empire? (http://www.preservearticles.com/2011101815647/what-were-the-causes-for-the-decline-of-the-mauryan-empire.html) diakses tanggal 9 June 2013

KESIMPULAN
Dinasti Muarya merupakan tamadun yang kuat semasa diperintah oleh Asoka. Asoka telah memerintah kerajaannya dengan menambahbaikkan dari beberapa segi, iaitu tentera yang kuat, kedudukan ekonomi yang kukuh, undang-undang yang teratur, perkembangan dalam sistem sosial dan agama serta sistem pentadbiran dan pemerintahan yang sistematik untuk manjamin kedamaian dan kesejahteraan Dinasti Muarya. Namun begitu, tamudan Maurya mengalami keruntuhan disebabkan pembahagian empayar Maurya, kelemahan pemerintah Maurya setelah Asoka , tekanan ekonomi dan pemerintah yang terpusat. Faktor-faktor tersebut menyebabkan keruntuhan Dinasti Maurya.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Titas

...In 326 BCE, Chandragupta Maurya was just a teenager when Alexander the Great of Macedonia invaded India. Facing stiff resistance all through what is now Pakistan, and hampered by the high Hindu-Kush Mountains, Alexander’s army lost its will to conquer India at the Battle of Jhelum (or Hydaspes River). Although the Macedonians made it through the Khyber Pass and defeated Raja Puru (King Poros) near modern-day Bhera, Pakistan, the fighting was almost too much for Alexander’s troops. Worst of all, Raja Puru’s army included 30 war elephants, who spooked the Macedonian cavalry’s horses (and probably the men, as well). When the victorious Macedonians heard that their next target - the Nanda Empire - could muster 6,000 war elephants, the soldiers revolted. Alexander the Great would not conquer the far side of the Ganges. Although the world’s greatest tactician could not convince his troops to take on the Nanda Empire, five years after Alexander turned away, a 20-year-old Chandragupta Maurya would accomplish that feat, and go on to unite almost all of what is nowIndia. The young Indian emperor would also take on Alexander’s successors - and win. Chandragupta Maurya’s Birth and Ancestry: Chandragupta Maurya was born sometime around 340 BCE, reportedly in Patna, now in the Bihar state of India. Given the vast span of time since his birth, it is unsurprising that scholars are uncertain of many details. For example, some texts claim that both of Chandragupta’s parents were of the Kshatriya...

Words: 7201 - Pages: 29

Premium Essay

Ashoka the Indian King

...Ashoka The Well Appreciated Buddhist and King Ashoka was one of the greatest rulers of ancient India. He was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya of Magadha who established the first Indian empire. Chandragupta wore the crown for twenty-four years before surrendering his throne in favor of his son, Bundusara (Ashoka’s father), who left no noticeable mark upon the empire. Ashoka was born in 304 B.C. and was known in his younger teen years as Canda Ashoka (the fierce Ashoka) because of his very aggressive nature.      Ashoka came to the throne in 270 B.C. after a power struggle that ended in the death of one of his brothers. He was at first disposed to follow the example of his father and grandfather and complete the conquest of the Indian peninsula. In about 256 B.C. Ashoka attacked Kalinga, a country on the east coast of Madras, in order to expand his empire, which he ruled as a tyrant at the time. The plan he pursued about Kalinga was forceful and all standing in his way of the throne were killed. Ashoka succeeded in conquering Kalinga in the fatal war in which 100,000 men were killed, 150,000 injured, and thousands were captured and retained as slaves. The sight of the massacre involved in his conquest deeply distressed Ashoka and deeply affected his mind. Overwhelmed by the carnage, he changed his way of life.      Brahmanism was the practiced religion of Ashoka, as he abstained from war forever and sought peace in Buddha’s preaching of love and ahimsa...

Words: 1412 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Alexander the Great

...Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.E.) was a Macedonian king that went on to conquer Persia, Syria, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and many more. His kingdom ranged from the Mediterranean to the border of India. He died at the age of 32 and is remembered as one of history’s most brilliant military leader and most powerful ruler. People argue that Alexander the Great was a villain whereas other people argued that he was hero. Alexander the Great was more of a villain than he was of a hero. He was a destructive ruler that wanted to unite all of mankind under one type of government. Even though he was a brilliant military leader that was able to conquer many different places and expand his empire throughout the world, he killed a lot of people to get expand his empire and also killed a lot of people to gain the power and position that he was in. Even though he was a man that was able to expand his empire and had smart tactics, many of his ways included the death of innocent people. Alexander the great was a destructive person that killed people to get the power he had and to get to his position. Even though document 3 explains how he was a great military commander, his ways were very gruesome and vicious. In Document 2, it states how Alexander was destructive and how he used purges to get his way. A purge is the removal of a person or group from a place or organization. Two examples of how Alexander the Great used purges during his reign was the murder of Attalus and the dispatching of Parmenio...

Words: 718 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Alexander The Great Dbq

...Alexander was also a pragmatic leader, understanding his men and human nature, always striving to rule in a fashion that would ensure prosperity to his empire. He, like Julius and Augustus Caesar after him, would try his best to try and be one of the soldiers. He talked, lived, fought, and suffered alongside his men. One legend illustrates Alexander’s effort to relate to his men. Whether the legend was true or not, it demonstrates his personality quite accurately. Called “The Legend of the Helmet,” it tells about when the Macedonian king was walking with his troops across a desert. All were thirsty, including Alexander himself. A small infantry party had gone out to search for water, and found a small trickle in a gully. They collected as much as they could and accumulated it into a helmet before offering it to Alexander. After thanking the men for the water, he proceeded to pouring the water onto the ground. He didn’t want to get special privileges that set him apart from his men. If no other man in the army got a drink, he wouldn’t accept it either. “So extraordinary was the effect of this action that the water wasted by Alexander was as good as a drink for every man in the army.” (Document D) He addressed his men by name; he knew them personally. “Riding to the front line he (Alexander the Great) named the soldiers and they responded from spot to spot where they were lined up.” (Alexander the Great: Alexander of Macedon Biography 4). In addition, Alexander encouraged them...

Words: 1036 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

To What Extent Is Alexander The Great A Hero

... Alexander the Great was a Villain, he took over civilizations and tried to scare people to give in to him and wasn't scared of anything in his way. Alexander the Great is a Villain because he took over civilizations even if people didn’t agree with him. Alexander the Great didn’t care about anyone except himself and his plan to conquer the world. He would take over civilization to civilization and wouldn’t stop till his men couldn’t walk anymore. He was so determined he killed his father so he wouldn’t get in the way of his great plan. According to A Hero’s Hero – Alexander and Achilles “Here was a man, who walked in flesh and blood”(1). A man who took over the world and walks in flesh and blood. This evidence proves he was a villain because he would go through any civilization just to take things over. He did not care if many people died in the process, he only cared about his plan. Also, according to ABC news “What is clear is that on the heels of Alexander's triumphs, some of the people of Dor grew disenchanted with all things Greek.”(20). This proves Alexander was a villain because the people in the civilizations he was conquering were getting bored of Greece and its culture and customs. Nobody wanted to have to deal with Alexander the Great because he had so much power and he used it to change their culture even if he had to kill. Even if he was able to change their culture, the people did not agree with it. Alexander the Great was a Villain because he would kill people...

Words: 824 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Was Asoka An Enlightened Ruler?

...Was Asoka AN Enlightened or a Ruthless conqueror? Was Asoka a Ruthless conqueror by killing 1000 people , or he is enlightened by giving to the weak that don’t have a voice. Some People think that Asoka is a ruthless ruler. But I am making an argument because I think he was an Enlightened ruler. I think he was an Enlightened Ruler because he gave people chances and became friends with people who were weak. I think he was an Enlightened Ruler because he gave people chances and became friends with people who were weak. After the war he gave the weak clothes and food.I think he did this because he felt bad for people dieing. He gave people chances. With forest tribes of his empire they can join but he warns them he has power even in his...

Words: 299 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Alexander The Great Research Paper

...Alexander III of Macedonia got the title “Alexander the Great” because he is known to be one of the greatest military leaders ever. Alexander the Great was born on July 20, 356 B.C.E., and died at the age of 32 on June 10, 323 B.C.E. He was born in Pella, the capital of Macedonia, to his parents Philip II and Olympias. Philip II was born in 382 B.C.E. to his parents King Amyntas III and Eurydice I. When Philip II became king, he united the Greek city-states. He also made Macedonia the most powerful city-state in all of Greece. Philip II was a very great military commander. Alexander was born during a time of great military success for his father. Philip had one other child with Olympias named Cleopatra. He also had some other children with his numerous other wives. Alexander had two half sisters named Thessalonike and Cynane, and a half brother named Philip III of Macedonia. Alexander’s mother, Olympias, was the daughter of Neoptolemus. She was born in about 375 B.C.E. She was a very strong willed person. She always demanded respect from others and often interfered with the affairs of the government. She had a very big impact on Alexander’s life. Alexander was married to Roxane who was a Persian princess and the daughter of Darius, the king of Persia. At the time of Alexander’s death, Roxane was pregnant with his son. Alexander’s son ruled over Macedonia with Alexander’s half brother, Philip. Both were murdered about seven years later. In his short life, Alexander fought and...

Words: 760 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Master

...One of the greatest rulers of India's history is Ashoka (Asoka). Ruling for thirty-eight years (274 B.C.-232 B.C.), he was generally mentioned in his inscriptions as Devanampiya Piyadasi ("Beloved of the gods"). As the third emperor of the Mauryan dynasty, he was born in the year 304 B.C. His greatest achievements were spreading Buddhism throughout his empire and beyond. He set up an ideal government for his people and conquered many lands, expanding his kingdom. The knowledge of Ashoka's early reign is limited because little information was found. His edicts and inscriptions allowed us to understand his reign and empire, and have an insight into the events that took place during this remarkable period of history. Eight years after he took his throne, Ashoka's powerful armies attacked and conquered Kalinga (present day Orissa). Although he had conquered many other places, this violent war was the last war he ever fought and a turning point of his career. He was disgusted by the extreme deaths of numerous civilians, especially the Brahmans. All these misfortunes brought Ashoka to turn into a religious ruler compared to a military ruler. As he turned to Buddhism, he emphasized dharma (law of piety) and ahimsa (nonviolence). He realized he could not spread Buddhism all by himself and therefore appointed officers to help promote the teachings. These officers were called Dhamma Mahamattas or "Officers of Righteousness"" They were in charge ...

Words: 312 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Memior of a Buddhist Emperor

...Ashoka Written by: Amulya Chandra Sen Last Updated 1-1-2014 Ashoka Emperor of India Also known as Aśoka died 238 BC? Ashoka, also spelled Aśoka (died 238? bce, India), last major emperor in the Mauryan dynasty of India. His vigorous patronage of Buddhism during his reign (c. 265–238 bce; also given as c. 273–232 bce) furthered the expansion of that religion throughout India. Following his successful but bloody conquest of the Kalinga country on the east coast, Ashoka renounced armed conquest and adopted a policy that he called “conquest by dharma” (i.e., by principles of right life). In order to gain wide publicity for his teachings and his work, Ashoka made them known by means of oral announcements and by engravings on rocks and pillars at suitable sites. These inscriptions—the rock edicts and pillar edicts (e.g., the lion capital of the pillar found at Sarnath, which has become India’s national emblem), mostly dated in various years of his reign—contain statements regarding his thoughts and actions and provide information on his life and acts. His utterances rang of frankness and sincerity. According to his own accounts, Ashoka conquered the Kalinga country (modern Orissa state) in the eighth year of his reign. The sufferings that the war inflicted on the defeated people moved him to such remorse that he renounced armed conquests. It was at this time that he came in touch with Buddhism and adopted it. Under its influence and prompted by his own dynamic temperament, he...

Words: 850 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Alexander The Great Conquests

...The conquests of Alexander the Great have long been talked about in history. He expanded so far east that his army ended up in territory the Greeks hardly even knew about, solidifying his place in history. Rome’s conquests were nothing short of history-making either when they made it abundantly clear they were the dominant force in their region by continuously toppling city-states and kingdoms, adding to their growing empire. These two monumental forces even came to be seen as unstoppable. Both the conquests of Alexander the Great and Rome had similar approaches to Greek freedom but differed when it came to reasons for conquests and expansion tactics. Alexander the Great and Rome had wanted the Greeks to remain free while they expanded their sovereignty. Alexander’s father had wanted the Greeks to see the Macedonians as allies, even though he had just conquered him. When Alexander took over, he exemplifies his want to keep the Greeks as allies to when Martin explains “…he [Alexander] compelled the city-states in southern Greece… to rejoin the alliance” (Ancient Greece, 243). This shows that he values the Greeks, and the use of the word alliance asserts that the Greeks weren’t technically under his rule. Rome had similar wants when addressing the Greek population. Flamininus, a Roman commander, traveled to Corinth during a festival to announce the freedom of all Greeks (Martin, Ancient Rome, 76). However, both powers don’t allow the Greeks to stay independent for long. When...

Words: 862 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Joan Of Arc Qualities

...What makes someone a “great man?” Are there specific character traits that identify them as superior as compared to others? Some people are simply great because of their leadership qualities, and because they are a person of integrity and have values that in their eyes will never be compromised. A great man can be someone others respect out of fear, and feel the need to impress and allow themselves to feel intimidation upon. There are countless and endless definitions as to what the perfect depiction of a “great man” should be. The truth is, it will always be in the eyes of the beholder. One specific person in history that is known to be a heroic legend is Joan of Arc. She was nicknamed “The maid of Orleans” and is most certainly considered a heroine in these previous generations and many more to come due to her role during the Lancastrian phase of the Hundred Years’ War, and also how she was canonized as a Roman Catholic saint. Joan of Arc was born on January 6th around the year 1412 to Jacques D’Arc and his wife Isabelle in the little village of Domremy, within the Barrois region (now a part of “Lorraine”) on the border of Eastern France. The events in France during these years would set the stage for Joan’s later life and the circumstances surrounding her death. Joan of Arc can be a prime example of a “great man” when depicted correctly. Her accomplishments varied from simple things to something as vast as becoming a leader at such a young age. More importantly, Joan of Arc...

Words: 1876 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Dbq River Valley Civilizations

...Its two major empires were the Mauryan Empire and the Gupta Empire and their advancements affected other civilizations very much. The Mauryan Empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya and it became one of the largest empires in the world, and certainly, the largest in India. Missionaries spread Buddhism throughout the empire during this period. Many developments were made in mathematics, science, art, literacy, logic, philosophy, religion, engineering, etc. in the Gupta empire, and it is considered the golden age of India. Some of its inventions are so incredible, that they are still used today, such as the number system. (Document 7) In Document 8, it shows how the Gupta Empire had many medical achievements in which they used different kinds of herbs and other remedies to treat illness and simple plastic surgeries to repair facial injuries. Vaccination for smallpox was practiced in the empire 1,000 years before it was...

Words: 904 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

What Is Alexander The Great Evil

...Many people believe that Alexander the Great is one of the greatest military geniuses that ever lived, and due to his destruction to cultural and religious sites throughout the empire, others have characterized him as a destroyer. He never lost a battle and Greece itself was never invaded during his rule. Alexander’s rule as king started in 336 B.C., he vowed to conquer the largest empire in the ancient world and complete the plans of his father. This mission included many battles along the way and also laid the foundation for new political systems, as well as spread Greek ideas, culture and life style to most of the places he conquered. New empires developed and the Hellenistic Culture together with the Roman Civilization and Christianity...

Words: 371 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Alexander The Great Research Paper

...Alexander the Great is not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep. He is Afraid of an army of sheep led by lions, but who is the army of sheep led by lions that can defeat him? First, I am going to talk about his Childhood. Then, I am going to talk about his Education. Next, I am going to say what his Legacy and what Risks he had to take. Finally, I am going to talk about some Facts that you might not know yet. I believe he is one of the best generals of all times. Do you think he is the best general? I am going to tell you about Alexander's childhood, like when he was born, what age he became king and many other things. Alexander was born in July 356 BC in Pella Greece. His Father is the king of Macedon and was Philip the second. His...

Words: 393 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Great Mosque and Stupa Research Paper

...The Great Mosque in Kairouan and the Great Stupa at Sanchi are both very important religious buildings, and are regarded as sacred spaces. They both differentiate in design, size, rituals, and purpose. The Great Mosque in Kairouan was built under the orders of the founder of Kairouan, Sidi Okba, which is why it also referred to as the Sidi Okba Mosque. The mosque features a courtyard, a cemetery, monk quarters, and various other rooms, span to the size of 443ft long and 262ft wide. The Great Mosque in Kairouan is known as the oldest Muslim place of prayer in North Africa, and is regarded as the fourth holiest site in Islam (after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.) The decorations of the Great Mosque were attractive and practical. 9 doors were carved in detailed inlaid marquetry, and the 414 columns had ancient capitals and beautiful shafts. Not one of the 414 columns in the mosque is similar to any other elsewhere in the mosque. It also featured a system are gathering rainwater. The Great Stupa at Sanchi was started under the rule of Emperor Ashoka in the third century BCE, and additions were being made to it until the fifth century CE. It was paid for my mercantile funds, and inscriptions within the stupa give credit to those who gave money. The stupa, however, features just the one large hemisphere dome, and has a circumference of 120ft, rising to 53ft. The Stupa at Sanchi was built after Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism. It was continued because of the religious fervor surrounding...

Words: 321 - Pages: 2