Age of the Nandas and Mauryas c9.s1.7

c9.s1.7

Magadhan kings and statesmen were sometimes ruthless in their methods. But they had the wisdom to establish an efficient system of government in which high bureaucratic functionaries (mahāmātras) as well as village headmen (grāmikas) had their share. Foreign observers speak with evident approbation of their judiciary, roads, irrigation works and care of alien residents. While not fighting shy of metaphysics, they laid great stress on exertion (parākrama) in this mundane life with the object of welding the diverse elements of greater India (Jambudvīpa) into a unit bound by political as well as cultural ties. This was facilitated by the ancient idea of the all-encompassing Purusha—later called Mahāpurusha (The Great Being)—and his political counterpart the Sole Sovereign (Ekarāṭ or Chakravartin). In the Magadha minstrelsy the rulers of the Prasii had an instrument which they could use for popular education and inspiration in times of trouble and despondency. We owe much of our knowledge of ancient times to these bards.