Ideology of Buddhism and Administration of Mauryas

The post-vedic Brahmanic literature falls into several sections and reflects some social and political development, but, as a whole, it is characterized by the same tone and temper. In the sphere of governmental theory, the Epics, the political and legal treatises, the Puranas and general literature start from the same fundamental assumptions. But from the fifth century B.C. onwards, Brahmanism had to contend with two vigorous Protestant movements - Buddhism and Jainism. They experienced many vicissitudes of fortune until one of them disappeared from India and the other sand into a small sect, but they produced a vast literature and gave rise to many social theories.

It is the Asokan Edicts of the third century B.C. which in the light of the latest researchers, have claim to be examined before any literary works for Buddhist ideas on government. The 'beloved of the gods' appears as the moral teacher and spiritual guide of his subjects. The state over which he presides is a missionary state exerting its utmost resources in the propagation of Buddhism and piety and morality in general.

The third Rock Edict, for instance, requires administrative officers of proceed on circuit every five years as well as for their other business, as for this special purpose, namely, to give instructions in the law of piety. Censors were appointed to watch over the Law and the operation of justice. 1 Asoka enunciates the paternal character of his government in so many words. In the Borderer's Edict of the Kalinga group, he wants his officers to make the people realize that:

"The king is to us even as a father he loves us even as he loves himself; we are to the king even as his children.