The Mauryan Empire was the first pan-Indian empire, founded after the fall of the Nandas. It marked the beginning of centralized administration and large-scale political unity in India.
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Chandragupta Maurya (321–297 BCE)
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Founder of the Mauryan Empire with the guidance of Chanakya (Kautilya).
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Defeated the Nanda dynasty and captured Magadha.
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Fought and defeated Seleucus Nicator (Greek ruler), acquiring territories in Afghanistan, Baluchistan, and Gandhara.
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Treaty with Seleucus: Chandragupta got territories, and Seleucus received 500 war elephants.
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Established Pataliputra as the capital.
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Maintained a strong army and centralized administration.
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Kautilya’s Arthashastra described politics, economics, and governance.
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Later embraced Jainism and migrated to Shravanabelagola, Karnataka, where he died.
Bindusara (297–273 BCE)
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Son of Chandragupta Maurya.
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Extended the empire further south, up to the Deccan (Karnataka region).
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Maintained relations with Hellenistic kingdoms of West Asia.
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Referred to as Amitraghata (Slayer of enemies) by Greeks.
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Patron of the Ajivika sect.
Ashoka the Great (273–232 BCE)
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Considered one of the greatest rulers in Indian history.
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Expanded the empire to cover almost the entire subcontinent except Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
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Fought the Kalinga War (261 BCE); horrified by the bloodshed, he embraced Buddhism.
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Adopted the policy of Dhamma: non-violence, compassion, tolerance, and welfare of people.
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Sent Buddhist missionaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
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His son Mahinda and daughter Sanghamitra spread Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
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Issued Rock Edicts and Pillar Edicts in Prakrit (Brahmi script) to spread his message.
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Built stupas, viharas, and pillars (e.g., Sarnath Lion Capital, now India’s National Emblem).
Later Mauryas and Decline
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Successors of Ashoka were weak and unable to control the vast empire.
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Provinces gradually became independent.
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In 185 BCE, the last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha was assassinated by his general Pushyamitra Shunga, who founded the Shunga dynasty.
Importance of the Mauryan Empire
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First empire to unify most of India under one rule.
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Introduced a well-organized administration, taxation, and economy.
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Played a vital role in the promotion of Buddhism and spread of Indian culture abroad.
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Monuments, inscriptions, and edicts remain valuable sources of ancient Indian history.