Old NCERT Summary (RS Sharma): Crafts, Trade, and Towns in the Post-Maurya Age | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Introduction

The period following the Mauryan Empire, which began around 2000 years ago, witnessed significant progress in areas like coin minting , trade , crafts , and the arts . Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Dynasty, is recognized by Greek historians for creating the first pan-Indian empire. With the help of his advisor Chanakya , Chandragupta focused on developing the empire by prioritizing the economy , military , and culture , as detailed in Kautilya's Arthashastra . He laid the groundwork for ancient India and the Mauryan Empire, which later flourished under his grandson Ashoka . After Chandragupta, the Post-Mauryan era was crucial in shaping India's cultural identity . Despite facing difficulties after Ashoka's death, this period also saw significant cultural and economic growth, especially in trade and the spread of Buddhism in India.

Overview of the Post-Mauryan Age

The Mauryan Age was a significant period in Indian history characterized by the strength and influence of the Mauryan Empire, especially in the northern regions and the Gangetic Valley. During this time, there was a notable level of political unity across the region. After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, India entered the Post-Mauryan Age, which eventually led to the rise of the Gupta Empire around the early fourth century AD. The Post-Mauryan period was marked by various foreign invasions that changed the political landscape of India. These invaders took control of different parts of the subcontinent, leading to a time of extensive coin minting and contributing to the downfall of the Mauryan Empire. After the fall of the Mauryan Empire, India entered a prolonged phase of division. During this time, Buddhism began to spread throughout India, influencing various aspects of society. The rise of the Gupta Empire marked a new chapter in Indian history, bringing political consolidation and prosperity to the region.

Trade in the Post-Mauryan Age

During the post-Mauryan period, there was a noteworthy expansion in both domestic and international trade. Two vital land trade routes, Uttarapatha and Dakshinapatha , were instrumental in linking the eastern and northern regions of India, with the Uttarapatha being the more frequently utilized route for trade.

• Key Trade Routes and Ports
  • The trade network spanned from Ujjain in Malwa to Broach on the western coast.
  • Broach emerged as a bustling trade center, renowned for its vibrant commercial activity.
  • Commonly traded goods included textiles , spices , and precious metals sourced from various regions, including the Shaka, Kushana, and Satavahana kingdoms.

• Major Trading Practices
  • Coin minting was a prevalent practice involving gold , silver , and copper .
  • Instances of artisans producing counterfeit coins were also noted.

• Trade Connections with Rome and China
  • Trade relations between India and Rome flourished, with a diverse range of goods exchanged between the two regions.
  • Silk products, primarily imported from China, were transported to the western ports of India.
  • The silk trade route facilitated exchanges among India, Rome, and China, with various commodities being transported from India to the Roman Empire through different trade routes.

• Geographical Trade Routes
  • Business transactions typically commenced in Taxila and progressed through Punjab .
  • These transactions extended to the western bank of the Yamuna River and reached the southern region of Mathura .
  • Silk was primarily imported by Rome from China via the Silk Road, with Iran playing a role in the trade, although the route was more complex than a direct export from China to Rome.

Post-Mauryan Age: Crafts

The period between 200 BCE and 200 CE was characterized by a thriving environment for trade, commerce, and crafts in India, playing a crucial role in its historical progression. During this time, the Digha Nikaya references around 24 different occupations, reflecting the variety of professions during this era. Archaeological evidence from the ancient town of Rajgir indicates the presence of various artisans, many of whom lived in surrounding villages.

• Advancements in Crafts
  • Significant advancements were made in mining and metallurgy , with materials such as gold, silver, iron, and precious stones being commonly used.
  • Inscriptions from this period reveal the existence of various skilled workers, including goldsmiths , weavers , dyers , and metalworkers .
  • Workers involved in fisheries and perfume production were primarily from the eastern regions of Bengal and Tamil Nadu .
  • In areas associated with the Kushana Empire , remarkable terracotta artifacts were found, particularly in locations like Mathura .

Post-Mauryan Age: Towns

During the Kushana Empire, the expansion of trade led to the rise of several towns engaged in commerce with the eastern parts of the Roman Empire and Central Asia. Regions like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab flourished due to active trade, with Ujjain being particularly noted for its strong internal trade network.

• Economic Challenges
  • However, the decline of the Kushana Empire brought significant economic difficulties to these towns.
  • Trade restrictions between India and the Roman Empire worsened the situation, affecting the livelihoods of traders and artisans, especially in the southern Deccan region.
  • Archaeological evidence suggests that the decline of these towns began following the Satavahana period.

Conclusion

The Pushyamitra Shunga was instrumental in bringing about the end of the Mauryan Empire. The decline of the empire started after the death of Ashoka. Pushyamitra Shunga's general defeated the last king of the Mauryan Empire. This period witnessed a significant increase in coin production and a major surge in trade throughout the country. One of the main trade routes during this time was Uttarapatha , although trade involved various other routes and goods as well.

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