Mauryan empire

A Dictionary of World History | 2000 | 700+ words | Copyright

Mauryan empire (c.325–185 BC) The first empire in India to extend over most of the subcontinent. The dynasty was founded by CHANDRAGUPTA MAURYA, who overthrew the Magadha kingdom in north-eastern India. He established his capital at Pataliputra, then expanded westwards across the River Indus, annexing some trans-Indus provinces deep into Afghanistan from ALEXANDER THE GREAT's Greek successors. His son, Bindusara (c.297–272 BC), moved south, annexing the Deccan as far as Mysore. Although the third emperor, ASOKA (c.265–238 BC) soon renounced militarism, his reign marked the high peak of Mauryan power, for his humane rule permitted the consolidation of his father's huge empire. On his death decline quickly set in, and the dynasty finally ended with the assassination of Birhadratha (185 BC) by the founder of the subsequent Sunga dynasty.

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