Mauryan Empire
UPSC Notes
The Mauryan Empire was one of the largest political empires of ancient India.
It was founded by Chandragupta Maurya around the late 4th century BCE.
Chandragupta Maurya
Chandragupta overthrew the Nanda dynasty and established Mauryan rule.
He later came into conflict with Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander's successors.
The conflict ended in an agreement favourable to Chandragupta.
Bindusara
Bindusara succeeded Chandragupta.
He expanded Mauryan control further into peninsular India.
Ashoka
Ashoka was the most famous Mauryan ruler.
The Kalinga War profoundly influenced his later policies.
Sources
Important sources include:
Ashokan inscriptions
Arthashastra
Indica of Megasthenes
Buddhist literature
Jain traditions
Key Pointers
Founder → Chandragupta Maurya
Capital → Pataliputra
Chanakya/Kautilya → associated with Chandragupta
Greek ambassador Megasthenes → Chandragupta's court
Bindusara → successor of Chandragupta
Ashoka → most famous Mauryan ruler
Kalinga War → turning point in Ashoka's reign
MCQs
Q11. Who founded the Mauryan Empire?
(a) Bindusara
(b) Ashoka
(c) Chandragupta Maurya
(d) Mahapadma Nanda
Answer: (c) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the Nandas and established the Mauryan Empire.
Category: Ancient History – Mauryan Empire
Q12. Megasthenes visited the court of which Mauryan ruler?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Chandragupta Maurya
(c) Bindusara
(d) Dasharatha
Answer: (b) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Megasthenes was the Greek ambassador at the court of Chandragupta Maurya and wrote Indica.
Category: Ancient History – Mauryan Empire