Civilization · 322 – 185 BCE
Mauryan Empire
First empire to unify most of the Indian subcontinent.
Capital: Pataliputra · South Asia
Overview
Founded by Chandragupta with Kautilya's Arthashastra as its guide, the Maurya reached its apex under Ashoka, whose post-Kalinga conversion to Buddhism spread the dharma across Asia.
Timeline
- 322 BCEChandragupta overthrows the Nandas
- 305 BCETreaty with Seleucus I
- 268 – 232 BCEReign of Ashoka
- 261 BCEKalinga War; Ashoka embraces Buddhism
- 185 BCEAssassination of Brihadratha ends the dynasty
Rulers
Founder
Expanded to the Deccan
Buddhist emperor of the edicts
Wars & conflicts
- Nanda conquest
- Seleucid war
- Kalinga War
Architecture
Polished sandstone pillars, Sanchi Great Stupa, palace complexes at Pataliputra.
Religion
Vedic ritual, Jainism, and imperial Buddhism after Ashoka.
Economy
State-run agriculture, mines and workshops per the Arthashastra; standard currency.
Technology
Iron plough, Persian-influenced administration, Mauryan polish stonework.
Art
Lion Capital of Ashoka (now India's emblem), rock-cut edicts.
Influence
Buddhist missions reached Sri Lanka, Central Asia and the Hellenistic world.
Decline
Overextension, weak successors, Shunga usurpation.
Key sites
- Sanchi
- Sarnath
- Girnar
- Dhauli