Ancient Indian Religions & Mauryan Administration – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering core religious doctrines of Jainism & Buddhism and key aspects of Mauryan administration, literature and constitutional principles.

Karma (Jainism)

The belief that one is responsible for one’s own actions; only good deeds can free a soul from the cycle of birth and death.

Equality (Jain Teaching)

Lord Mahavir’s stress on universal brotherhood and equal treatment of all beings, regardless of caste or gender.

Salvation / Moksha (Jainism)

Freedom from rebirth, obtained through non-violence, self-denial and practice of the Triratnas.

Four Noble Truths

Buddha’s core doctrine: life is suffering; suffering has a cause; desire causes suffering; ending desire ends suffering.

Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marg / Middle Path)

Buddha’s practical path to end suffering: Right Belief, Thought, Speech, Action, Livelihood, Effort, Recollection, Meditation.

Nirvana (Buddhism)

The peaceful, desire-free state that ends the cycle of birth and death.

Arthashastra

Kautilya’s manual on politics, diplomacy and administration; blueprint for Mauryan centralised rule.

Indika / Indica

Megasthenes’ Greek account describing Mauryan society, Pataliputra’s administration and the imperial army.

Edicts of Ashoka

Rock and pillar inscriptions revealing Ashoka’s policies, values and promotion of non-violence.

Sanchi Stupa

3rd-century BC hemispherical Buddhist monument at Sanchi, built by Ashoka, housing Buddha’s relics.

Fundamental Duties

Constitutional obligations reminding Indian citizens of their moral and civic responsibilities.

Directive Principles of State Policy

Non-justiciable guidelines directing the Indian state toward social-economic welfare and justice.

Welfare State

A state committed to maximising citizens’ well-being through social and economic justice.

Angas

Twelve canonical Jain texts (Dwadashangi) compiling Mahavir’s teachings on rites, conduct and philosophy.

Upangas

Twelve auxiliary Jain works composed by saints, elaborating on the doctrines found in the Angas.

Jatakas

Stories of Buddha’s previous births illustrating virtues and reflecting 5th-2nd century BC society.

Tripitakas

‘Three Baskets’ of Buddhist scripture in Pali: Vinaya, Sutta and Abhidhamma Pitakas.

Vinaya Pitaka

Section of the Tripitakas detailing monastic rules and accounts of Buddha’s life.

Sutta Pitaka

Compilation of Buddha’s discourses and dialogues on ethics and doctrine.

Abhidhamma Pitaka

Philosophical analysis of mind and matter forming Buddhist metaphysics.

Triratnas (Three Jewels)

Jain path to Moksha: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct.

Ahimsa

Absolute non-violence toward all living beings, central to Jainism and Buddhism.

Ashoka’s Dhamma

Ashoka’s ethical code advocating respect, non-violence and religious tolerance for imperial unity.

Kalinga War (261 BC)

Bloody conquest that converted Ashoka to Buddhism and non-violence, altering Mauryan policy.

Mahamatra

High Mauryan officer (often governor) appointed by Ashoka for public welfare and administration.

Kumara / Aryaputra

Royal prince governing a Mauryan province, assisted by Mahamatras under Ashoka.

Bali

Religious tribute collected as part of Mauryan land revenue.

Bhaga

Mauryan tax on agricultural produce and cattle, usually one-sixth of output.

Mauryan Spy System

Extensive network of informants ensuring the king stayed updated on administration and rivals.

Mauryan Military Administration

Large standing army of infantry, cavalry, chariots, elephants under a 30-member commission.

Purohit

Chief priest and member of the Mauryan council of ministers advising on rituals and policy.

Senapati

Mauryan military commander advising the king on war and peace matters.

Sannidhata

State treasurer overseeing royal stores in Mauryan administration.

Samaharta

Mauryan finance minister/taxation expert responsible for revenue collection.

Yukta

Provincial treasurer or accounting officer in the Mauryan bureaucracy.

Pradeshika

Mauryan official tasked with touring provinces and collecting taxes.

Rajuka

Revenue officer (akin to modern tehsildar) managing land assessment and taxation.

Dwadashangi

Collective name for the twelve Jain Angas compiled from Mahavir’s teachings.

Middle Path

Buddhist concept of avoiding extremes of indulgence and asceticism, embodied in the Eightfold Path.

Right Faith

Belief in the 24 Tirthankaras and their teachings—first pillar of Jain Triratnas.

Right Knowledge

Understanding of Jain Nine Truths—second pillar of the Triratnas.

Right Conduct

Living by the Five Vows (non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, non-possessiveness)—third Triratna.