The Mauryan Polity c7.s6.t2: Public works undertaken
The Mauryan Polity c7.s6.t2
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Public works undertaken
c7.s6.t2.1
Granting that the Mauryas had a large and guaranteed money supply, there is nothing to show that they misused it in an irresponsible fashion sacrificing the public interests of the state at the altar of self-advancement. For the Mauryan state patronised many arts and crafts including architecture and sculpture whose excavations and discoveries are a surprise and puzzle to archæologists.³ Money was lavishly spent on public works which tended to the common good, such as laying out grand trunk roads, constructing reservoirs and embankments for agricultural purposes, founding hospitals, rest-houses and store-houses on public roads and other prominent places.¹
c7.s6.t2.2
² *Ar. Śās.*, Bk. V, Ch. 2.
c7.s6.t2.3
³ On the *Art of the Maurya period* see, Monahan, *Early History of Bengal*, Ch. XIX.
c7.s6.t2.4
¹ Ar. Śās., Bk. I, Ch. 1.
Linked texts (1)
- Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra — Kauṭilya, Sanskrit