What freedom did chandragupta subjects lack?
During Chandragupta Maurya's reign, his subjects lacked certain freedoms, particularly in terms of political and personal liberties. Some of the freedoms the subjects lacked include:
1. Political Freedom: The subjects did not have the freedom to participate in the political process or choose their rulers. Chandragupta established a centralized and autocratic form of government, in which he held absolute power and made all the important decisions without popular consent. The people had no say in the governance or policies of the Mauryan Empire.
2. Exploitation and Taxation: The subjects lacked economic freedom as they were heavily taxed and exploited by the state. Chandragupta's administration levied high taxes on agriculture, trade, and other economic activities, leading to a burden on the common people. The subjects were subjected to economic exploitation and did not have the freedom to fully enjoy the fruits of their labor.
3. Limited Personal Liberty: The subjects had limited personal freedom in the Mauryan Empire. Chandragupta had a system of spies and secret police, which restricted individuals from freely expressing their thoughts or dissenting against the empire. Any form of criticism or opposing the ruler could lead to severe punishment or even death.
4. Religious Freedom: Although Chandragupta Maurya was tolerant towards different religious beliefs, the subjects did not have complete religious freedom. There were restrictions and regulations imposed on various aspects of religious practices, and significant privileges were granted to specific religious groups, such as the Brahmins.
5. Mobility and Trade Restrictions: The subjects faced restrictions on mobility and trade. The empire had a strict control over trade routes, and individuals were limited in their ability to move freely within the empire's territory. This limited their economic opportunities and potential for social mobility.
Overall, Chandragupta Maurya's subjects lacked several essential freedoms, including political participation, economic freedom, personal liberty, religious freedom, and mobility. These restrictions were a result of the centralized and autocratic nature of the Mauryan Empire.