- The Maurya Dynasty was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 321 BCE.
- Chandragupta Maurya was a military genius and conquered much of India, including present-day Punjab and parts of Afghanistan.
- Chandragupta Maurya was succeeded by his son, Bindusara, who ruled from 297 BCE to 273 BCE.
- Bindusara expanded the Maurya Empire to the south and conquered parts of Deccan Plateau.
- Bindusara was succeeded by his son, Ashoka, who is considered one of the greatest emperors of ancient India.
- Ashoka ruled from 273 BCE to 232 BCE.
- Ashoka fought a brutal war against the Kalinga Kingdom in 261 BCE, which is said to have transformed him into a Buddhist and led him to renounce violence.
- Ashoka was known for his edicts, which were inscribed on pillars and rocks throughout his empire, and promoted nonviolence, religious tolerance, and social welfare.
- Ashoka also sent emissaries to other countries, including Greece and Egypt.
- Ashoka was succeeded by his son, Kunala, who ruled for only a short time.
- Kunala was blinded and overthrown by his half-brother, Dasaratha, who ruled from 232 BCE to 224 BCE.
- Dasaratha was succeeded by his son, Samprati, who ruled from 224 BCE to 215 BCE.
- Samprati was known for his patronage of Jainism and is credited with spreading the religion throughout India.
- Samprati was succeeded by his son, Salisuka, who ruled for only a short time.
- Salisuka was succeeded by his brother, Devavarman, who ruled from 215 BCE to 202 BCE.
- Devavarman was succeeded by his son, Satadhanvan, who ruled from 202 BCE to 195 BCE.
- Satadhanvan was succeeded by his son, Brihadratha, who ruled from 195 BCE to 185 BCE.
- Brihadratha was overthrown by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Shunga, in 185 BCE.
- The overthrow of Brihadratha marked the end of the Maurya Dynasty and the beginning of the Shunga Dynasty.
- The Maurya Dynasty was known for its centralized administration, efficient taxation system, and extensive road network.
- The Maurya Empire was divided into provinces called “janapadas,” each of which was governed by a “janapada-adhikari.”
- The Maurya Dynasty was also known for its military might, and its army consisted of infantry, cavalry, chariots, and war elephants.
- The Maurya Dynasty also had a strong navy, which was used to control the coastal regions of India.
- The Maurya Dynasty was known for its art and architecture, including the Ashokan Pillars and the Sanchi Stupa.
- The Maurya Dynasty was also known for its literature, including the Arthashastra by Kautilya and the Buddhist texts.
- The Maurya Dynasty was a major economic power, and its trade relations extended to the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
- The Maurya Dynasty played a significant role in spreading Buddhism, and many Buddhist monasteries were built during this period