Introduction
Bindusara (reigned circa 297–273 BCE) was the second ruler of the Maurya Dynasty and the son of Chandragupta Maurya. His reign was significant in consolidating the empire that Chandragupta had established. Although not as celebrated as his father Chandragupta or his son Ashoka, Bindusara’s contributions were essential in maintaining the stability and unity of the vast Mauryan Empire.
Early Life and Ascension to the Throne
- Birth and Lineage: Bindusara was born to Chandragupta Maurya and his chief queen, Durdhara (according to some accounts). He was raised and trained in the arts of war, administration, and governance, preparing him for leadership.
- After Chandragupta‘s abdication of the throne and conversion to Jainism, Bindusara ascended the Mauryan throne in 297 BCE.
Titles and Legacy
Amitraghata: Bindusara is known in Indian tradition by the title Amitraghata, which means “Slayer of Enemies” or “Destroyer of Foes.” This title reflects his reputation as a fierce warrior and consolidator of the empire.
Greek Accounts: Greek sources, such as those of the historian Strabo, refer to him as Amitrochates, derived from the Sanskrit Amitraghata.
Bindusara’s Empire and Military Campaigns
Consolidation of the Empire
- Bindusara continued to consolidate the territories his father had conquered, ensuring that the empire remained stable and united.
- His reign is notable for the maintenance of control over regions that Chandragupta had acquired, including northern India, parts of Central Asia, and Afghanistan.
Expansion to the Deccan
- Bindusara is credited with extending Mauryan influence further south into the Deccan region of India, although he did not conquer the far south.
- Historical sources suggest that he controlled regions up to Mysore (modern-day Karnataka) but Kalinga (present-day Odisha) remained unconquered during his reign. This would later become a focus for his son Ashoka.
Diplomacy with Hellenistic Kings
- Like his father, Bindusara maintained diplomatic relations with Hellenistic kingdoms. Deimachus, the Greek ambassador, was sent by the Seleucid king Antiochus I to Bindusara’s court.
- Relations with Antiochus I were peaceful, and the exchange of diplomatic missions indicates Mauryan interaction with the broader Hellenistic world.
Administration and Governance
1. Centralized Administration
- Bindusara continued the centralized administration system set up by Chandragupta and Chanakya (Kautilya). Provinces and territories were governed by royal officials who were directly accountable to the emperor.
- The administrative structure was highly organized, with a clear division of responsibilities across different branches of government.
Espionage and Internal Security
- The espionage network established during Chandragupta’s reign was further strengthened by Bindusara. Spies were employed to monitor internal and external affairs, ensuring the stability of the empire.
Provincial Governance
- Bindusara appointed several viceroys to govern important provinces. His son Ashoka was made the viceroy of Ujjain in the Malwa region and Taxila in the northwestern part of the empire, indicating that he was being groomed for future leadership.
Taxation and Economy
- The Mauryan economy continued to flourish under Bindusara, with agriculture as the main source of revenue. The state maintained control over key industries such as mining and forestry.
- Trade routes within the empire were well-maintained, and economic prosperity was largely sustained due to efficient revenue collection and control over trade.
Religious Views
- Unlike his father, Chandragupta, who embraced Jainism, and his son Ashoka, who later embraced Buddhism, Bindusara is said to have followed the Ajivika sect. The Ajivikas were a heterodox sect, contemporary with Buddhism and Jainism, which believed in determinism and fatalism.
- His association with the Ajivika sect demonstrates the diversity of religious thought in the Maurya Empire.
Relationship with the Ajivika Sect
- Ajivikas were one of the heterodox sects of ancient India, and Bindusara reportedly had a strong inclination towards them.
- Ajivikas believed in the strict doctrine of fate (niyati) and rejected free will. This sect later gained prominence under Bindusara and continued to be influential under Ashoka in certain regions.
Foreign Relations
Relations with the Hellenistic World
- Diplomatic relations with the Hellenistic kingdoms remained cordial, as indicated by the presence of Greek envoys at Bindusara’s court.
- Apart from Deimachus, another Greek figure Dionysius is mentioned as an ambassador during his reign, possibly sent by the Egyptian king Ptolemy II Philadelphus.
Correspondence with Seleucids
- According to Greek sources, Bindusara requested that Antiochus I send him sweet wine, dried figs, and a sophist. Antiochus sent the wine and figs but declined to send a sophist, indicating a light-hearted exchange between the two rulers.
Succession and Later Years
- Bindusara’s Death: Bindusara died around 273 BCE, after ruling for approximately 24 years.
- Succession Conflict: Following Bindusara’s death, a succession struggle ensued among his sons. Ashoka, who had been the viceroy of Ujjain and Taxila, eventually emerged victorious. According to Buddhist sources, Ashoka was assisted by his ministers in securing the throne.
Legacy
Maintaining the Mauryan Empire
- Bindusara successfully maintained the territorial integrity of the empire and continued the legacy of his father Chandragupta Maurya by strengthening internal governance.
- His reign laid the groundwork for the further expansion of the Maurya Empire under Ashoka.
Historical Sources
- Like his father, Bindusara’s reign is recorded in Greek accounts, but there is limited information available from Indian sources.
- His contributions are often overshadowed by his father Chandragupta’s achievements and his son Ashoka’s fame. Nonetheless, he is an important figure in maintaining and expanding one of the greatest empires in Indian history.
Important Points for UPSC
- Key Titles: Amitraghata (Slayer of Enemies).
- Role in Expanding the Empire: Extended Mauryan influence to the Deccan.
- Diplomatic Relations: Maintained cordial relations with Hellenistic kingdoms; Greek ambassadors visited his court.
- Religion: Inclination towards the Ajivika sect.
- Administration: Centralized administration, effective espionage, and continued revenue systems.
- Succession: His death led to a power struggle among his sons, with Ashoka eventually emerging victorious.
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