Template:Infobox former monarchy
The Maurya Empire (c. 322–185 BCE) was an ancient Indian empire. The empire was founded by
Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE and lasted until 185 BCE. The Mauryan Empire was the first pan-Indian empire. At its height, the empire covered most of the Indian subcontinent.[1] The Mauryan Emperor was the monarchical head of state and wielded absolute rule over the empire.
Chandragupta's chief ministerChanakya, sometimes called Kautilya, advised Chandragupta Maurya and contributed to the empire's legacy.[2]Bindusara, Chandragupta's son, assumed the throne around 297 BCE. He kept the empire running smoothly while maintaining its lands.[3] Bindusara's son, Ashoka,[4] was the third leader of the Mauryan Empire. Ashoka left his mark on history by erecting large stone pillars inscribed with edicts that he issued. After Ashoka's death, his family continued to reign, but the empire began to break apart. The last of the Mauryas, Brihadratha, was assassinated by his Senapati, Pushyamitra Shunga who went on to found the Shunga Empire in 185 BCE.[5]
Maurya Empire at its greatest expansion, c. 250 BCE
Greatest emperor of dynasty. His son Kunala was blinded and died before his father. Ashoka was succeeded by his grandson. Also known for Kalinga War victory.
↑Olivelle, Patrick (2024). Ashoka: Portrait of a Philosopher King. New Haven: Yale University Press. ISBN978-0-300-27490-5.
↑Allchin, F. R.; Erdosy, George (1995). The Archaeology of Early Historic South Asia: The Emergence of Cities and States. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 306.