The Rise and Fall of the Maurya Empire


The Rise and Fall of the Maurya Empire

🏛️ Subject: History

📖 Topic: Maurya Empire (Ancient Indian History)

🧭 1. Introduction

  • The Maurya Empire was the first major empire in ancient India.
  • Founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 321 BCE with the help of Chanakya (Kautilya).

👑 2. Important Rulers

🟢 Chandragupta Maurya (321–297 BCE)

  • Defeated the Nanda dynasty.
  • Established a strong central government.
  • Took control after defeating Seleucus I (Greek ruler).

🟢 Bindusara (297–273 BCE)

  • Son of Chandragupta.
  • Expanded the empire further south.

🟢 Ashoka the Great (273–232 BCE)

  • Most famous Mauryan ruler.
  • After the Kalinga War (261 BCE), he converted to Buddhism.
  • Promoted non-violence, dharma, and welfare of people.
  • Built edicts and pillars to spread his messages.

🌍 3. Administration

  • Highly organized: Divided empire into provinces.
  • Officials called Amatyas and Rajukas helped in governance.
  • Used spy system to maintain control.
  • Maintained army, roads, and trade routes.

📜 4. Sources of Information

  • Arthashastra by Kautilya – Book on politics and administration.
  • Ashokan Edicts – Stone inscriptions found all over India.
  • Greek accounts – Megasthenes' book Indica.

📉 5. Decline of the Empire

  • After Ashoka's death, weak successors failed to manage the vast empire.
  • Regional powers became stronger.
  • Empire ended around 185 BCE when Pushyamitra Shunga killed the last Maurya ruler.

🔄 6. Legacy

  • First Indian empire to unify a large part of the subcontinent.
  • Spread of Buddhism to Asia.
  • Advanced administration and governance model.

✍️ Study Tip

Make a timeline with the rulers and major events.
Use flashcards for terms like Arthashastra, Dhamma, and Kalinga War.
Revise using the cause-effect method:

Cause: Kalinga War → Effect: Ashoka adopts Buddhism and non-violence.



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