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The Mauryan empire was founded in 322 BCE by Chandragupta Maurya, who had overthrown the Nanda Dynasty and expanded his power westward across central and western India. The Nanda Dynasty expanded like this so they could take advantage of the disruptions of local power in the wake of the withdrawal by Alexander the Great's armies.
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Though his reasoning unclear, Chanakya, a Brahmin teacher, decides to destroy the Nanda Dynasty and guide a young man named Chandragupta Maurya in leading a guerilla campaign against the rulers. They spark a civil war, eventually forcing the current ruler into exile. The Nanda's prime minister transfers power to Chandragupta, thereby beginning the Maurya Dynasty.
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The Macedonians, under Seleucus I Nicator, attempt to expand their empire into India. Chandragupta defeats them and claims a large swath of their territory in the peace negotiations, thereby expanding his empire westward.
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The Macedonian's, under Seleucus I Nicator, attempt to expand their empire into India. Chandragupta defeats them and claims a large swath of their territory in the peace negotiations, thereby expanding his empire westward.
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Led by Chandragupta's son, Bindasura, the Maurya expand east into the Deccan Plateau.
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At just 22 years old, Bindusara inherits rule over the empire. He expands the empire southward, conquering sixteen states and nearly all of the Indian peninsula. Only four kingdoms resist him, including the Kalinga Kingdom.
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Asoka, Bindusara's son, inherits the throne following the death of his father. He proves himself to be a brilliant military commander and quickly crushes multiple revolts against his rule.
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Asoka goes on to defeat the Kalinga Kingdom. Although successful, over 100,000 soldiers and civilians are killed during this time, including many of Asoka's own forces. Asoka personally witnesses the consequences of his aggression and decides to renounce war. He converts to Buddhism and sends missionaries to spread Buddhism throughout Asia.
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The Edicts of Asoka are spread throughout the empire. They outline the moral teachings of the emperor, including banning slavery, equal punishment under the law, and the fiar treatment of animals.
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Asoka builds the Lion Capital of Asoka, a sculpture of four Indian lions back to back, at the important Buddhist site of Sarnath. This eventually becomes the emblem of India.
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Due to a misunderstanding, Asoka disinherits and blinds his original heir, his son, Kunala. Asoka eventually realizes the manipulation and has Kunala restored to court. However, upon his death, rule instead passes to Kunala's grandson, Dasaratha Maurya. Under Dasaratha's rule, much of Asoka's territory is lost to the empire.
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Samprati succeeds Dasaratha, though sources are unclear as to whether he is Dasaratha's son or brother. He is known for spreading Jainism and sponsoring Jain scholars.
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Sariska succeeds Samprati and is known as a quarrelsome, unrighteous ruler.
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Satadhanvan succeeds Salisuka, and, under his rule, the empire continues to lose territory to outside invaders.
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Brihadratha Maurya comes to power in the Mauryan empire, but by this point, the empire's territory has greatly been reduced.
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During a military parade, Brihadratha is assassinated by the commander-in-chief of his guard, a Brahmin general. The general takes over the throne and starts the Sunga Dynasty. Under his leadership, he brings about a wave of religious persecution against Buddhists and a resurgence of Hinduism. This marks the end of the Mauryan Empire.
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The fall of the Mauryan Empire leaves Khyber Pass vulnerable, which allows Demetrius, a Greek King, to conquer parts of Afganistan and northwestern India. Demetrius forms the Indo-Greek Kingdom.
