Page 1 - ch 4
P. 1
Module - I Maurya and Gupta Armiess
Military History
of Ancient India
4
Note
MAURYA AND GUPTA ARMIES
You have learnt how our ancients formed societies and developed into a great civilization.
Their expansion, both geographically as well as by population caused a requirement of
armed people to protect their land and people. They formed armies and built modern
organisations around it for greater efficiency. The armies thus evolved were made to
follow strict code of conduct and ethics in battlefield as well as in peacetime. In turn
the soldier became a very respected person in society and was given extra care and
privileges. The important aspect of ancient military history was that no caste system
was followed in recruiting soldiers. It was capability of a soldier to fight that gave him
place in the army. Armies were recognized by their flags and it became the most
respected object for the entire country or Kingdom. This was the beginning of
nationalism.
If you have studied Indian history at some point in your life, you would have surely
known the mighty Mauryas and Gupta dynasties. Their kings were very powerful, and
were able administrators who managed their huge empires. Let us find out how they
were able to do to and what support they had from their armies.
Objectives
After studying this lesson you will be able to:
describe the Mauryan empire and its army and
explain the organization of Gupta's army
4.1 Mauryan Empire
As societies progressed, they formed larger groups and explored newer areas to
prosper in agriculture, mining iron, copper, coal etc. Janapadas became Mahajanapadas.
The Mahajanapadas were big settlements in Magadh, Kosala, Kasi, Saurasena
(Mathura) and became centres of crafts and industry. Another major change in society
was the advent of Jainism and Budhism as centres of influence among the people. The
earliest ruler of Magadh was Bimbisara in 544 B.C and thereafter the rule and expansion
18
18
MILITARY HISTORY
