Rebellion of Mauryan Provinces

Several provinces broke away, with rulers like Jalauka in Kashmir and Virasena in Gandhara establishing independent kingdoms. The northwestern territories were lost, and southern vassal states such as the Satavahanas and the Mahameghavahana dynasty of Kalinga reasserted their independence. While Dasharatha retained control over Magadha, the overall imperial structure disintegrated, leading to the eventual end of the Mauryan dynasty.

Rebellion of Mauryan Provinces
Maurya Empire after the rebellion of the Mauryan Provinces
Date 232 – 224 BCE Location Modern day India Result Rebel victory Independence of the Satavahanas, Gandhara, Kalinga, Cholas and Cheras. Dasharatha still recognised as the De jure ruler of the Mauryan Empire.
Belligerents
Mauryan Empire	Satavahana dynasty Kashmir Province Gandhara Province Mahameghavahana dynasty Chola dynasty Chera dynasty Rebeled Mauryan Princes
Commanders and leaders
Dasharatha Maurya	Jalauka Sophagasenus Kunala Bandhupalita Indrapalita Dronsa Virasena

Background

According to the Ashokavadana, the emperor fell severely ill during his last days. He started using state funds to make donations to the Buddhist sangha, prompting his ministers to deny him access to the state treasury. Ashoka then started donating his personal possessions, but was similarly restricted from doing so. On his deathbed, his only possession was the half of a myrobalan fruit, which he offered to the sangha as his final donation. Such legends encourage generous donations to the sangha and highlight the role of the emperorship in supporting the Buddhist faith.

Legend states that during his cremation, his body burned for seven days and nights.