Arunid Empire

The Arunid Empire was a powerful Hindu empire im the Daria region of Audonia during Classical Antiquity (~372 BCE - 884 CE). It dominated the trade networks of the Aab-e-Farus and it's landed provinces stretched from modern day Kandara all the way to Battganuur. It's armies were unstoppable in the Classical period but it's over extension I'm western Daria not only led to corruption and weak administration, but it stretched the armies of the empire top thin and it was eventually expelled from western Daria by Muslim armies, and then totally crushed by the Oduniyyad Caliphate.

It's origin, capital, and powerbase was in what is now Pukhgundi, where the vestiges of ots legacy can still be most obviously seen. While it was a very cosmopolitan empire made up of thousands of ethnic groups, religions, and languages, the ruling class was Pukhti from modern Pukhgundi.

History
The Arunid Empire was formed when the King of Pukh's, Arun, father-in-law died and he inherited his wife's family kingdom in 372 BCE. This dual kingdom became a powerhouse in the region and Arun's son, Aadesh, became a great general,diplomat, and then king in his own right. The Arunid dynasty was ruthless and shrewd. Fathers and mothers teaching the art of cunning and guile to their children, punishing sloth and greed to ensure that ambition was a key factor of every new generation. There were 500 years of continuous expansion both through military conquest and through trade and diplomacy. They were to Daria what Cao was to Dolong. In fact, these empires were strong trading partners and military allies against the Huns of northern Dolong.

One of the most revered rulers in Arunid history was Emperor Ashoka, who ascended to the throne in 268 BCE. Known for his conversion to Buddhism after witnessing the horrors of war, Ashoka pursued a policy of non-violence and religious tolerance. His reign marked a golden age for the empire, with the spread of Buddhism throughout the region and the construction of the famous Ashoka Pillars.The Arunid Empire experienced a period of cultural flourishing during this era. Its cosmopolitan cities, such as Peshawar and Taxila, became centers of learning and trade, attracting scholars and merchants from across the known world. Art, literature, and philosophy thrived, with the synthesis of Pukhti, Persian, and Istroyan influences.

As the 7th century dawned, the Arunid Empire faced growing external pressures. The emergence of the Oduniyyad Caliphate brought a new force into the region, driven by religious zeal and military might. Caliphal forces began encroaching on Arunid territories, sparking a series of conflicts that would culminate in a decisive battle in 884 CE. The Battle of Neshapur in 884 CE marked the end of the Arunid Empire. Caliphal forces, led by General Al-Abbas, proved too formidable, and the Arunid capital fell. The empire was dissolved, and its territories were gradually absorbed into the expanding Oduniyyad Caliphate.

Government
The Arunid Empire was characterized by a strong centralized monarchy, provincial administration also dominated by a lesser monarchical system of kings and princes, a professional bureaucracy, and a legal framework that promoted religious tolerance and social welfare. The empire's rulers played a significant role in fostering a rich cultural heritage and supporting the well-being of their subjects.

At its core, the Arunid Empire was a monarchy, with an emperor (King of Great Kings) at its head. The empire was led throughout its history by members of the Arunid Dynasty. The emperor held absolute authority over the empire, making key decisions related to governance, military, and foreign affairs. The line of succession was typically primogeniture, passing from father to son, although there were exceptions, occasional power struggles, and a few instances of non-familial regencies. The empire was divided into provinces and kingdoms, each governed by a king, and prince, governor, or viceroy appointed by the emperor. These provincial rulers were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and implementing imperial policies within their territories. Local customs and traditions were often respected to some extent, allowing for a degree of cultural autonomy within the provinces. To assist in the administration of the vast empire, a bureaucratic system was developed. This bureaucracy included professionals who managed various aspects of governance, such as taxation, justice, and public works. Prominent bureaucrats often served as advisers to the emperor and played key roles in policy formulation. The empire had a well-developed legal system with codified laws and regulations. Emperor Ashoka, in particular, is known for his edicts, which were inscribed on stone pillars and rock surfaces throughout the empire. These edicts promoted principles of justice, morality, and religious tolerance, and they provided a legal framework for the governance of the empire.

Economy
The economy of the Arunid Empire was a complex and evolving system that developed over the course of its 1300-year history. It encompassed a vast and well connected network of sectors spanning the whole of Daria, the Aab-e-Farus, and at its peak some of the sea lanes in the Sea of Istroya. The Empire witnessed significant technological transformations, reflecting the empire's priority on investing in great thinkers from all across the known world. Because the Empire was strategically located at the crossroads of important trade routes, it facilitated, and taxed, the exchange of goods and ideas between the East and West. The empire's cities, such as Peshawar, Taxila, and Multan, emerged as major trade hubs, connecting merchants from as far as Coa and Great Levantia. Valuable commodities like spices, textiles, gemstones, and precious metals were traded, contributing to the empire's wealth, but it was the taxation of the movement of these goods on Arunid roads and ships that made the Empire rich beyond measure.

Agriculture formed the backbone of the Arunid economy. The fertile lands of the Darian coastal plains and mountain sides and the agricultural innovations of the time allowed for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops, including rice, wheat, barley, and various fruits and vegetables. The Empires investment in extensive irrigation systems, such as canals and wells, played a crucial role in boosting agricultural productivity throughout all of its provinces. The surplus food production supported both a growing urban population, thinkers, craftsmen, manufactories, and trade.

Artisans and craftsmen played a pivotal role in the Arunid economy. Skilled workers produced high-quality textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and jewelry, which were in demand not only within the empire but also in international trade. Craftsmanship reached impressive heights, as seen in the intricate construction and decoration of grand temples and palaces. In levels not seen in many other ancient civilizations these manufactories were maintained as part of a uniquely complex but regular economic network. These required a steady supply of consistent materials to be supplied to them and there is strong evidence that villages and towns were built around maintaining supply lines to various points throughout the empire to ensure this happened.

Taxes were collected in the form of agricultural produce, land revenue, and trade tariffs, the most lucrative form of taxation. The revenue collected was used to maintain the empire's infrastructure, support the military, and fund ambitious works projects. Emperor Ashoka, in particular, is renowned for his emphasis on social welfare and public projects, such as the construction of roads, hospitals, irrigation works in semi-arid zones, and education centers. Ashoka was also the first to bring in scholars from the Istroyan civilization to join him at court. This became en vogue for provincial kings and princes to also have minor Istroyan scholars and philosopher on their advisory councils.

Over time, the Empire faced various economic challenges. External pressures, including invasions and the expansion of the Oduniyyad Caliphate, disrupted trade routes and contributed to economic decline. Inefficient governance and overexpansion also strained the empire's resources. Despite its economic achievements, these factors ultimately weakened the empire's economic foundations.