The Mauryan Empire was the first large empire to unite most of the Indian subcontinent. It was founded in 322 BCE by Chandragupta Maurya and reached its peak under Ashoka. This dynasty is one of the most important topics in ancient Indian history.
Chandragupta Maurya
Chandragupta Maurya founded the empire with the help of his guide Chanakya (Kautilya). He overthrew the Nanda dynasty and defeated Seleucus Nicator, a general of Alexander. Chanakya wrote the Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft and economics. In his last years, Chandragupta became a Jain and is said to have died at Shravanabelagola.
Bindusara and Ashoka
Bindusara, son of Chandragupta, expanded the empire further. He was followed by Ashoka, the greatest Mauryan ruler. Ashoka fought the Kalinga War in 261 BCE, which changed his life and led him to embrace Buddhism.
Administration
The empire had a strong central administration with the king at the top. The capital was Pataliputra. The empire was divided into provinces, each under a governor. Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador, wrote Indica, which describes Mauryan society and the city of Pataliputra.
Decline
After Ashoka, the empire weakened. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha, was killed by his commander Pushyamitra Shunga in 185 BCE, who founded the Shunga dynasty.
Quick Revision Points
- Founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE.
- Guided by Chanakya, author of the Arthashastra.
- Capital was Pataliputra.
- Megasthenes wrote Indica.
- Ashoka fought the Kalinga War in 261 BCE.
- Last ruler Brihadratha killed by Pushyamitra Shunga in 185 BCE.
- Chandragupta became a Jain in his last years.