Empire & Networks: Mauryans BCE
I. Characteristics of Mauryan SA II. Galactic Polity & Empire III. Diversity, Governmentality & Dharma IV. Asoka as Model, Asoka as Hero V. Thapar’s Asoka & Contemporary Indian Politics
I.Characteristics of Mauryan SA Greece/Persia Bengal/Orissa Deccan Plateau & Southern Peninsula Sri Lanka, Burma & Thailand Trade Central administration TaxAdminister peripheries Artisans Extraction of labor
II. Galactic Polity & Empire Geography Economy Resources Sustaining center Fluid circles of power within larger circles
III. Diversity, Governmentality & Dharma Dharma Shramanic Brahmanic Physical and ideological presence
IV. Asoka as Model, Asoka as Hero Model for powerful kingship Buddhists Asoka-Avadana (2nd c. CE, Sanskrit) Mahavamsa (5th c. CE, Pali/Prakrit) Brahmanic treatises and literature Post-independence India Post-independence Sri Lanka & SEA
V. Thapar’s Asoka & Contemporary Indian Politics