Foundation of the Mauryan Empire
  1. The Maurya Empire was founded in 321 BCE.
  2. The founder of the Mauryan Empire was Chandragupta Maurya.
  3. Chandragupta Maurya overthrew Dhana Nanda.
  4. He was guided by the famous strategist Chanakya.
  5. Chanakya is also known as Kautilya.
  6. The capital of the Mauryan Empire was Pataliputra.
  7. Chandragupta Maurya defeated the Greek governor left by Alexander the Great.
  8. Chandragupta later defeated Seleucus I Nicator in 305 BCE.
  9. Seleucus ceded territories in Afghanistan and Baluchistan to Chandragupta.
  10. In return Seleucus received 500 war elephants.
  11. The Greek ambassador Megasthenes visited the Mauryan court.
  12. Megasthenes wrote the book Indica.
  13. Chandragupta Maurya ruled from 321–297 BCE.
  14. The Mauryan Empire became the first large empire in Indian history.
  15. The empire extended from Afghanistan to Bengal.
  16. Chandragupta Maurya later became a follower of Jainism.
  17. He abdicated the throne in favor of his son.
  18. Chandragupta migrated to Shravanabelagola.
  19. According to tradition he performed Sallekhana (fast unto death).
  20. Chandragupta Maurya died around 297 BCE.
Reign of Bindusara
  1. Chandragupta Maurya was succeeded by Bindusara.
  2. Bindusara ruled from 297–273 BCE.
  3. Bindusara expanded the empire further south.
  4. Greek writers called him Amitrochates.
  5. Amitrochates means “slayer of enemies.”
  6. Bindusara maintained diplomatic relations with the Greeks.
  7. The Greek ambassador Deimachus visited his court.
  8. Another Greek envoy was Dionysius.
  9. Bindusara conquered many regions in the Deccan.
  10. He controlled almost the entire Indian subcontinent except the far south.
  11. Bindusara had several sons.
  12. One of them was Ashoka.
  13. Ashoka served as the governor of Taxila.
  14. He also served as governor of Ujjain.
  15. Bindusara died in 273 BCE.
  16. A succession struggle followed his death.
  17. Ashoka ultimately emerged victorious.
  18. Ashoka became emperor around 268 BCE.
  19. His reign marked the peak of the Mauryan Empire.
  20. Ashoka became one of the greatest rulers of ancient India.
Reign of Ashoka
  1. Ashoka ruled from 268–232 BCE.
  2. Ashoka initially followed a policy of conquest.
  3. His most famous war was the Kalinga War.
  4. The Kalinga War occurred around 261 BCE.
  5. Kalinga corresponds to modern Odisha.
  6. The war caused massive destruction and loss of life.
  7. Ashoka deeply regretted the bloodshed.
  8. After the war he embraced Buddhism.
  9. Ashoka adopted the policy of Dhamma.
  10. Dhamma emphasized non-violence and moral conduct.
  11. Ashoka spread Buddhism across Asia.
  12. He sent missionaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
  13. His son Mahinda went to Sri Lanka.
  14. His daughter Sanghamitta also went to Sri Lanka.
  15. Ashoka built many stupas and monasteries.
  16. Ashoka’s policies are known through his edicts.
  17. These edicts were inscribed on rocks and pillars.
  18. Ashoka used Prakrit language in his inscriptions.
  19. The script used in most inscriptions was Brahmi.
  20. In northwest India the script Kharosthi was used.
  21. The famous Lion Capital of Ashoka is found at Sarnath.
  22. The Lion Capital is the National Emblem of India.
  23. The Ashoka Chakra appears on the Flag of India.
  24. Ashoka convened the Third Buddhist Council.
  25. The council was held at Pataliputra.
  26. The council was presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa.
  27. Ashoka built roads and rest houses for travelers.
  28. He established hospitals for humans and animals.
  29. Ashoka promoted religious tolerance.
  30. His reign is considered a golden age of moral governance.
71–90: Administration of Mauryan Empire
  1. The Mauryan administration was highly centralized.
  2. The king was the supreme authority.
  3. The empire was divided into provinces.
  4. Provincial governors were usually royal princes.
  5. The empire had an efficient bureaucratic system.
  6. The chief minister was called Mantriparishad head.
  7. The Mauryan administration is described in Arthashastra.
  8. The author of Arthashastra was Kautilya.
  9. Revenue mainly came from land tax.
  10. The state maintained a large standing army.
  11. The army included infantry, cavalry, chariots, and elephants.
  12. A special department managed agriculture and irrigation.
  13. Another department supervised trade and commerce.
  14. Spies played an important role in administration.
  15. The Mauryans developed road networks across the empire.
  16. Cities were governed by municipal committees.
  17. The Mauryan Empire encouraged trade and craft production.
  18. Punch-marked coins were used widely.
  19. Internal and external trade flourished.
  20. The empire connected India with Central Asia and the Mediterranean world.
91–100: Decline of the Mauryan Empire
  1. Ashoka died in 232 BCE.
  2. After Ashoka, weak rulers came to power.
  3. The empire gradually declined.
  4. Provincial governors became independent.
  5. Internal revolts weakened the empire.
  6. The last Mauryan ruler was Brihadratha Maurya.
  7. Brihadratha was assassinated by Pushyamitra Shunga.
  8. This event occurred around 185 BCE.
  9. With this event the Mauryan Empire ended.
  10. The fall of the Mauryas led to the rise of the Shunga Dynasty.

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