Some of the most momentous developments in Indian epigraphy took place in the 1830’s. This gave a new direction to investigations into early Indian political history as European and Indian scholars used inscription and texts composed in a variety of languages to reconstruct the lineages of major dynasties that had ruled the subcontinent. Asoka was the first ruler who inscribed his message to his subject and official on stone surface-natural rocks and pillars are often regarded as amongst the most valuable sources. From the sixth century BCE, land and river routes criss- crossed the subcontinent and extended in various direction overland into central asia and beyond and overseas from ports that dotted the coastline extending across the arabian sea to east and north Africa and west asia and through the bay of Bengal to southeast asia and china.
Widespread and deep excavations in the early historic towns have not been possible due to the fact that these towns are still inhabited. In Harappan Civilisation, we have been fortunate enough that excavations have taken place widespread. Despite this shortcoming, we have found many artefacts in the historic towns. These throw light on the craftsmanship of those days. There is other evidence too, that throws light on the craftsmanship of those days. The salient features of such evidences are as follows:
Mahajanapadas were states that existed between 6th and 4th BC centuries. Buddhist and Jain texts mention sixteen Mahajanapadas. The name of all these are not uniform in all texts but some names are common and uniform which means they were the powerful ones. These Mahajanapadas are Vajji, Magadha, Kaushal, Kuru, Panchal, and Gandhar.
The important features of the Mahajanapadas are as follows.
Ordinary people could not leave behind any historical evidence about their life. Hence, the historians use a variety of sources to reconstruct the lives of the common people during the ancient times. The important sources are:
The gifts given to Pandya chief included things like ivory, fragrant wood, honey, sandalwood, pepper, flowers, etc. in addition to many birds and animals were also given as gifts. On the contrary, items produced in the village of Danguda included grass, skin of animals, flower salt and other minerals, etc. In both the lists the only common item is flower.
The specialists who study inscriptions are called Epigraphists. Some of the important problems they encounter when they try to decipher inscriptions are as follows:
Asokan inscriptions mention all the main features of the administration of the Mauryan Empire. Thus, the features of the administration are evident in the inscriptions of the Asokan age. The important features of the same are as follow:
1. The capital of the Mauryan Empire was Pataliputra. Apart from the capital there were four other centres of political power in the empire. They were Taxila, Ujjaini, Tosali and Suvarnagiri.
2. Committee and subcommittees were formed to run the administration and safety of boundaries. Megasthenes has mentioned that there was one committee and six sub-committees.
The six subcommittees and their areas of activities are as follows:
(i) The first sub committee looked after the navy.
(ii) The second sub committee looked after transport and communications.
(iii) The third sub committee looked after infantry.
(iv) The fourth sub committee had the responsibility of horses.
(v) The fifth had the responsibility of chariots.
(vi) The sixth had the responsibility of elephants.
3. Strong network of roads and communications were established. It is notable that no large empire can be maintained in the absence of the same.
4. Asoka made an attempt to keep the empire united by the philosophy of Dhamma. Dhamma are nothing but moral principles that actuate people towards good conduct. Special officers called Dhamma Mahamatras were appointed to propagate Dhamma. In fact Romila Thapar has made it the most important element of the Asokan state’s governing principle
The statement of eminent epigraphist D.C. Sirkar has highlighted the importance of inscriptions as a single source of information that touch upon all areas of our life. Following are the main areas we get information about from the inscriptions
In the post-Mauryan age, the idea of kingship got associated with divine theory of state. Now, the monarchs began to talk about divine sanction to rule the people. Kushan rulers propagated the idea of the same at an unprecedented scale. They ruled from central Asia to western India. We can discuss the kinship based on the dynasties.
The demand for taxes increased in the post 600 BC. In order to meet the demand of excessive taxes, without taking lesser produce, forced the farmers to increase productivity. This resulted in the use of new tools and practices of agriculture. The important ones are as follows:
1.Use of plough: Ploughs became commonplace. They were hardly heard of in the past. The use of ploughs began in the Ganga and Cauvery basins. In places where rain was abundant, the plough was used with iron tip. This increased the paddy production manifold.
2. Use of spade: Another tool that changed the system of agriculture is spade. Those farmers who lived in the areas of harsh land used spade.
3. Artificial Irrigation: Apart from rainfall, the farmers now began to look at artificial forms of irrigation. This prompted farmers to build wells, ponds, and – canals often collectively. This increased agricultural production. The production increased due to new technology and tools. This created a new strata in the society. In the Buddhist literature, there is a description of small and big farmers. They were called Grihpatis. Similar description is given in the Tamil literature too. The position of village head was often hereditary. In such a situation the ownership of land became very important.