What was the primary cause of the financial weakness leading to the de...
Kausambi suggested that the primary cause of the decline was the financial weakness, possibly due to excessive military spending.
What was the primary cause of the financial weakness leading to the de...
Excessive Military Spending:
Excessive military spending was the primary cause of the financial weakness leading to the decline of the Mauryan Empire, according to Kausambi. The Mauryan Empire, under the rule of Emperor Ashoka, expanded its territories through military conquests which required significant resources and funds. This led to a massive drain on the empire's treasury, as maintaining a large army, conquering new territories, and defending existing ones all required substantial financial investments.
Impact on Economy:
The constant military campaigns and the maintenance of a large army put immense pressure on the economy of the Mauryan Empire. The funds that could have been used for economic development, infrastructure, and welfare of the people were instead diverted towards military endeavors. This resulted in a lack of resources for other important sectors of the economy, leading to economic stagnation and decline.
Financial Strain:
The excessive military spending not only depleted the treasury but also led to increased taxation on the common people. The burden of financing the military campaigns fell heavily on the taxpayers, further straining the already weakened economy. This resulted in resentment among the population, leading to discontent and unrest within the empire.
Decline of the Mauryan Empire:
As a result of the financial weakness caused by excessive military spending, the Mauryan Empire faced internal strife, administrative inefficiency, and ultimately succumbed to external invasions. The decline of the empire can be attributed to the unsustainable financial policies pursued by the rulers, particularly in terms of military expenditures.
In conclusion, the primary cause of the financial weakness leading to the decline of the Mauryan Empire was the excessive military spending, which not only drained the treasury but also had negative repercussions on the economy and stability of the empire.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed SSC CGL study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in SSC CGL.