The Mauryan Empire, founded in 321 BCE by Chandragupta Maurya in Magadha with Chanakya’s support, became the first major empire to unify most of the Indian subcontinent. At its peak under Emperor Ashoka, it stretched across nearly all of India. Known for military strength, centralized governance, and cultural advancement, the empire declined after Ashoka’s death in 232 BCE due to economic strain, administrative lapses, and external invasions.

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• First empire to unify most of Indian subcontinent, from 321–185 BCE
• Founded by Chandragupta Maurya with help from Chanakya
• Capital at Pataliputra; empire covered 5 million+ sq km under Ashoka
• Defeated Nanda Dynasty, Greek satraps; alliance with Seleucus Nicator
• Ashoka won brutal Kalinga war (261 BCE), then embraced Buddhism
• Empire had strong central gov., spy system, vast bureaucracy
• Art flourished—Sanchi Stupa, Ashokan pillars, rock edicts
• Revenue from land, trade, mining; 1/6th of produce as tax
• Decline began after Ashoka’s death; empire ended in 185 BCE
• Pushyamitra Shunga killed last Mauryan king Brihadratha, took power