Despotism is a form of
government in which a single entity rules with
absolute power. However, in enlightened
absolutism (also known as benevolent
despotism), absolute monarchs used their
authority to institute a number of reforms in the
political systems and societies of their countries.
During Ashoka's reign, the Mauryan Empire was
indeed the first attempt in India to secure
administrative centralization on an extended
scale. Within its framework it united a number
of people and tribes. Tha nature of the Mauryan
government was enlightened despotism. The
centralized monarchy became a paternal
despotism under the able guidance of Ashoka.