Maurya

views updated Jun 27 2018

Maurya a dynasty which ruled northern India 321–c.184 bc. It was founded by Chandragupta Maurya, who introduced a centralized government and uniform script, and developed a highway network which led to Mauryan control of most of the Indian subcontinent. The oldest extant Indian art dates from this era.

Maurya dynasty

views updated May 21 2018

Maurya dynasty. The first unifying, imperial dynasty in India, c.321–180 BCE. Its founder was Chandragupta (d. c.297); his grandson was Aśoka.