India in 4th Century BC.

Sham S. Misri

India has a rich history. In the 4^th century B.C., the Mighty Mauryan Empire ruled in north-eastern India to beyond Khyber Pass in the North West. The capital, at Pataliputra was surrounded by a deep moat and a wooden wall. Sixty four gates gave entrance to the city, and 572 towers guarded it. Streets were laid in an orderly way. At the heart of the city stood the palace, it had a beautifully carved wooden structure. Its pillars were plated with gold and silver and covered with intricate designs. Chandragupta Maurya the king rarely left this place. But on special holidays he toured the capital city.

A Greek visiting in 302 B.C. described one such colorful procession. First came the monarch, riding an elephant. Then came great host of attendants in holiday dress, with golden vessels, such as huge basins and goblets six feet broad, tables, chairs of state, drinking and washing vessels, all of Indian copper, and many of them set with jewels, such as emeralds, and Indian garnets. Others wore robes embroidered in gold thread and led wild beasts, such buffaloes, leopards and tame lions, and rare birds in cage. The visitor was favorably impressed by the prosperity and wealth of the empire.

All land belonged to the state. The tax on farm products was the chief source of government income. Farmers used irrigation and crop rotation to increase crop yields.  Famine was unknown in the land. Trade and handicraft industries thrived. Artisans made textiles, cutlery, and farm tools for export. Products from southern India, China, Mesopotamia, and Asia Minor were sold in the markets in Pataliputra, Taxila and other cities of the empire.