Author: Romila Thapar
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2014
Language: English
Pages: 346
ISBN/UPC (if available): 019564445X
Description
The Mauryan period is seen as the first sub-continental empire which required administration appropriate to a changing political economy, communication adequate to a sub-continental territory and new ideological attempts to draw support from a multi-cultural population. This book provides a fresh interpretation of the history of early India and the links with later developments. It covers the history of the Mauryas but with a focus on the reign and activities of Asoka.
In a substantial Afterword the author discusses scholarship in this area subsequent to the first publication of the book. An additional map showing sites discovered since 1961, an updated bibliography and index are also included here.
Long established as an essential text for students of ancient history, this new edition will be indispensable for all historians.
REVIEWS
A commendable achievement in historical scholarship.
-Indian Review of Books
The author offers her interpretation of Asoka’s connection with Buddhism and shows how he was able to make use of a general movement of social and spiritual change for political and moral integration of his empire.
-The Hindu
Contents
LIST OF PLATES
ABBREVIATIONS
The Background and the sources
Early Life, Accession, and Chronology of the reign of Asoka
Society and Economic Activity
Internal Administration and Foreign Relations
The Policy of Dhamma
The Later Mauryas
The Decline of the Mauryas
Conclusion
Appendices
The Date of the Arthasastra
The Titles of Asoka
The Geographical Locations of the Edicts
Pottery and Coins of the Mauryan Period
A Translation of the Edicts of Asoka
Mauryan Art
AFTERWORD
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INDEX