The development during the ninety years of Maurya rule of a system of civil, military, and church government so complex and highly organized is matter for legitimate astonishment. The records of Alexander's invasion disclose the existence of a multitude of independent states governed either by Rajas or tribal oligarchies, constantly at war with one another and free from all control by a superior power. It is true that, even in those days, Magadha occupied the premier position, but the Nanda king of that state made no claim to be the Lord Paramount of India. The conception of an Indian Empire, extending from sea to sea, and embracing almost the whole of India and Afghanistan, was formed and carried into effect by Chandragupta and his minister in the brief space of twenty-four years. History can show few greater political achievements. Not only was the empire formed, but it was so thoroughly organized that the
- ↑ Arrian, Indika, ch. xvi, transl. McCrindle (Megasthenes, p. 220). A nearly life-sized figure of an infantry soldier armed as described by Megasthenes is reproduced by Cunningham, Stûpa of Bharhut, Pl. xxxii, I. For shapes of Indian arms at the beginning of the Christian era, see Cunningham, Bhilsa Tapes, p. 217, P1. xxxiii; Maisey, Sânchi, Pl. xxxv, xxxvi. A long list of weapons and military engines is given in Arthaśâstra, Bk. ii, ch. 18. Tennent (Ceylon, 2nd ed., i. 499) compares the Veddah mode of holding the bow with the foot, but it is quite different, the bow not being rested on the ground.
