Samrat Bindusara Maurya: The Forgotten Emperor of the Mauryan Empire

Samrat Bindusara Maurya was the second ruler of the mighty Mauryan Empire. He was the son of Chandragupta Maurya and the father of Ashoka the Great. Though less famous than his father and son, Bindusara played an important role in strengthening and expanding the empire. After Chandragupta’s retirement, Bindusara became king and worked to maintain political stability and improve administration. His rule saw several military campaigns, helping the Mauryan Empire grow across India.

Samrat Bindusara Maurya

Bindusara’s early life is not well-documented, but he was trained in politics and warfare. As a ruler, he focused on expanding the empire’s borders and managing internal affairs. His leadership helped create a strong foundation for his son Ashoka’s future achievements. Bindusara’s reign was a time of peace, growth, and stability. His legacy remains as a significant ruler who helped shape the powerful Mauryan Empire, leaving a lasting impact on Indian history.

Early Life and Background of Bindusara

Bindusara Maurya was born around 320 BCE. He was the son of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire, and Durdhara, a woman believed to be of royal lineage. According to historical texts, Bindusara’s birth story is steeped in legend. It is said that his mother accidentally consumed poison meant for Chandragupta Maurya, but the royal physician saved the unborn child by extracting him from her womb. This incident earned him the name “Bindusara,” which translates to “the strength of the drop” (referring to the drop of poison).

Bindusara was born into a time of significant political change. His father, Chandragupta Maurya, had overthrown the Nanda dynasty and established the Mauryan Empire with the guidance of his mentor, Chanakya. From an early age, Bindusara was groomed for kingship. He received an extensive education in statecraft, warfare, and the principles of governance under the tutelage of Chanakya, a scholar well-versed in economics and political science.

Struggles and Ascension to the Throne

Bindusara faced several challenges during his transition to power. After ruling for about 24 years, Chandragupta Maurya abdicated the throne in favor of his son and became a Jain ascetic. Bindusara ascended the throne around 297 BCE. Despite a smooth transfer of power, the young emperor inherited the responsibility of maintaining and expanding the empire.

One of the major struggles Bindusara faced was managing the vast and diverse territories left by his father. The empire stretched from modern-day Afghanistan in the west to Bengal in the east and from the Himalayas in the north to the Deccan Plateau in the south. Maintaining unity across such a large empire required administrative skill, military strength, and diplomatic prowess.

Military Campaigns and Victories of Bindusara

Historical records indicate that Bindusara was a formidable warrior and an ambitious ruler. Greek sources, such as those written by Strabo and Pliny, mention that Bindusara carried out successful military campaigns to extend the empire further south. It is believed that he conquered the Deccan region, bringing 16 additional territories under Mauryan control.

The most notable military achievement of Bindusara was his successful campaign to subdue the southern kingdoms. According to Jain and Buddhist traditions, he maintained friendly relations with the Hellenistic world, including the Seleucid Empire. Greek historians referred to him as “Amitrochates” or “Slayer of Foes,” highlighting his military prowess and his ability to subdue enemies.

Despite his aggressive military campaigns, Bindusara followed a policy of Dharma Vijaya (victory through righteousness), which emphasized just governance and humane treatment of conquered territories. This policy laid the foundation for his son Ashoka’s future conquests and the spread of Buddhist ideals.

Administrative Reforms and Governance

Bindusara was not only a warrior but also an efficient administrator. He continued the centralized governance system established by his father. The empire was divided into provinces, each overseen by a governor (often a royal prince). This system ensured better control and streamlined administration across the vast territory.

He maintained a large and well-trained bureaucracy, which was responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining law and order, and overseeing public works. Bindusara also promoted trade and established diplomatic relations with foreign powers. His reign saw increased contact with the Hellenistic world, including Ptolemaic Egypt and the Seleucid Empire.

Personal Life and Family of Bindusara

Bindusara is believed to have had several wives and many children. Among his children, Ashoka became the most famous. According to Buddhist texts, Ashoka initially served as the governor of Ujjain before ascending to the throne after a bloody succession struggle.

Another significant son of Bindusara was Susima, who was initially the heir-apparent but was eventually outmaneuvered by Ashoka. The internal rivalry among his sons for the throne is well-documented in ancient texts, though the details remain fragmented and open to interpretation.

Religious Beliefs and Patronage

Unlike his father Chandragupta, who adopted Jainism, and his son Ashoka, who became a devout Buddhist, Bindusara followed the Ajivika sect. The Ajivikas were an ancient Indian ascetic order known for their deterministic philosophy. Bindusara extended royal patronage to the Ajivikas and helped them establish a foothold in the empire.

Despite his affiliation with the Ajivikas, Bindusara maintained a policy of religious tolerance. This approach allowed various sects, including Jainism, Buddhism, and Brahmanism, to coexist peacefully during his reign.

Diplomatic Relations with the Hellenistic World

Bindusara maintained active diplomatic relations with Hellenistic kings. The Mauryan Empire’s interaction with the western world began during Chandragupta’s reign and continued under Bindusara. Notably, Antiochus I, the Seleucid king, sent an envoy named Deimachus to the Mauryan court.

These diplomatic exchanges facilitated the flow of goods, ideas, and cultural practices between India and the Mediterranean world. This cultural exchange enriched the intellectual and artistic landscape of the Mauryan Empire.

Legacy and Death of Bindusara

Bindusara ruled the Mauryan Empire for approximately 25 years, until his death around 272 BCE. His passing triggered a fierce succession struggle among his sons, which ultimately led to Ashoka ascending the throne.

Bindusara’s legacy lies in his successful consolidation and expansion of the Mauryan Empire. His administrative reforms and emphasis on diplomatic engagement laid the groundwork for Ashoka’s transformative reign. Although historical sources about Bindusara are less detailed than those about his father and son, his contributions to the empire remain significant.

Samrat Bindusara Maurya was a pivotal figure in The Mauryan Dynasty. His reign marked a period of territorial expansion, administrative efficiency, and diplomatic outreach. Despite the lack of extensive historical records, his impact on Indian history is profound. As the bridge between the empire’s founder Chandragupta and the great emperor Ashoka, Bindusara played a crucial role in shaping the Mauryan legacy. His leadership and vision allowed the Mauryan Empire to flourish and paved the way for one of the most remarkable chapters in Indian history.

Also Read: Samrat Samudragupta the Napoleon of India