One of the greatest empires in the history of India was the Maurya Empire. It approximately lasted from 322 - 185 B.C. Most of India was united as a single entity by the great emperor Chandragupta Maurya. His son Bindusara extended the kingdom of Mauryas over almost the entire sub-continent. The Mauryan Empire had the most powerful military force in ancient India. The greatest emperor of the Maurya dynasty was Ashoka. An able administrator and a skillful warrior, Ashoka converted to Buddhism after the gruesome Battle of Kalinga.
The Maurya Empire had smooth administration and efficient rulers. The
government was hierarchical and centralized with a lot of staff to make
sure that work was carried on smoothly and efficiently. Taxes were
collected regularly, trade and commerce was carried on smoothly,
citizens were taken care of and the army was always ready for any sort
of external aggression or threat. Every province had its own officials
who managed administration at grassroots level. The economy was agrarian
and the main economic activity of people was agriculture. The capital
city of Magadha was beautifully decorated and had all facilities that
any modern city would have.
In the Mauryan dynasty, art and literature flourished and the rulers
built many famous temples and monuments. Ashoka preached his
philosophies in the form of pillars and rock edicts all over northern
India. The great advisor Chanakya, who is said to be the driving force
behind the fame and success of Emperor Chandragupta, also wrote many
great books that have been compiled as literary masterpieces. The Maurya
dynasty also saw the rise and fall of many different empires in the
south of India. There was constant struggle for power and control of the
Deccan region and central India among various small rulers.
The Maurya Empire started to disintegrate towards late 2nd century. The
north of India broke into a series of chaos and this situation attracted
many invaders who crossed the border to establish their kingdoms. The
rulers were busy fighting among themselves and exhausting resources when
they should have checked external aggression. After the death of Ashoka,
the disintegration had started and worsened by 3rd century.
Asoka the Great
One of the greatest emperors of all times, Emperor Asoka was a Mauryan ruler whose empire spread across the Indian sub continent and the present day Pakistan and Afghanistan thus covering a vast area. He is known as Asoka the Great since he was one of the most able rulers who ruled India.
After converting to Buddhism, one of the greatest emperors of India, Ashoka disseminated the teachings and knowledge of the Buddhist scriptures. Ashoka always had belief in morals and principles and had high ideals in life. These came to be known as Dhamma of Emperor Ashoka.
Asoka's pillars are basically a series of pillars that are spread all over the northern part of the Indian sub continent. These pillars were set up during the time Emperor Ashoka reigned in India. Most of the pillars, though damaged to some extent still stand upright and are protected by the concerned authorities.
One of the greatest figures of wisdom and knowledge in the Indian history is Chanakya. He is estimated to have lived from 350 - 283 B.C. Chanakya is touted as the "Pioneer Economist of India". Chanakya was the adviser and Prime Minister of Emperor Chandragupta.
Known as the founder of Mauryan Empire, King Chandragupta Maurya is considered to be one of the most able rulers who ruled and unified India. Chandragupta Maurya ruled from 320 - 298 B.C approximately. He is considered to be one of the most authentic and able rulers of India.
Asoka Rock Edicts
Asoka was one of the greatest emperors of India. His high ideals and philosophies are inscribed in the form of rock edicts all over northern India. The Ashokan rock edicts are basically a collection of 33 inscriptions that are carved on the Pillars of Ashoka along with big boulders, caves, etc.