Trade ,Literature , Art and Architecture , Social life

(a) Trade: 

Due to a well-organized taxation system, there was an increase in revenue. Various kinds of taxes were levied, for e.g., ‘Bali’ was a tax to be given in the scale of land under cultivation, ‘Bhag’ was a share from the tax on production.

Agricultural land and the tax acquired from agricultural production were the basic foundation of the administrative system. 

Industries gained momentum during this period for e.g., cloth industry, metallurgy, carpentry, etc. 

The prosperous agriculture and flourishing industries led to a flourishing internal and foreign trade. 

There was import and export trade and for the protection of the trading community, the government had appointed officers like Chorarajjuka and Seemaswami.

(b) Literature: 

During the Mauryan period, along with literature in Sanskrit, the use of Pali and Ardhamagadhi literature in the Prakrit language is also seen. 

For the spread of Jainism and Buddhism literature was created in the Prakrit language. 

The world-famous work of Panini’s Ashtadhyayi was composed in this period.

Bhasa one of the greatest dramatists of Sanskrit literature flourished during this period. The most important work of this period is texts Kautilya’s Arthashastra 

The orders of Ashoka are inscribed on the rocks and pillars in the Prakrit language. 

The famous texts of Buddhist literature Tipitakas were edited during this period. Jain texts like Dashavaikalika, Upasakadashanga Acharanga Sutra Bhagvati Sutra, etc., were composed during this period.

(c) Art and Architecture:

 Mauryan art is the beginning of ancient Indian architecture and sculptural art.

It appears that the artists had acquired the skill of cutting and carving the stone. 

The technique of mirror polish of stone known as ‘Mauryan Polish’ was acquired during this period. 

During this period stone statues of Yaksha and Yakshi were found, for e.g., the statue of Chauri bearer of Didarganj. 

The pillars erected by Emperor Ashoka and the sculpture on them are excellent examples of Mauryan sculpture, the beginning of rock-cut caves.

(d) Social life: 

Megasthenes mentions the seven classes of Indian society based on their professions. 

Life was prosperous and happy. 

The class of entertainers is mentioned. Chariot and horse racing wrestling as well as dance and singing competition were the popular means of entertainment. 

The system of education during the Vedic period continued Cities of Taxila, Kashi, Ayodhya, etc became great centers of higher education and art. 

Female education suffered but Kautilya’s Arthashastra mentions that women were given certain rights. 

Women had complete control over Stridhana. The Mauryan period had multiple dimensions.