Mauryan Empire

Brihadratha is assassinated.(c. 185 BCE)

185

Brihadratha is assassinated.(c. 185 BCE) 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 Maurya Empire.

Brihadratha Maurya comes to power.(c. 187 BCE)

187

Brihadratha Maurya comes to power in the Maurya Empire, but by this point the empire's territory has greatly been reduced.

Dasaratha Maurya inherits the throne.(232 BCE)

232

Due 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.

Asoka completes his conquest of Kalinga.(262 BCE)

262

Asoka goes on to defeat the Kalinga kingdom. Although successful, over 100,000 soldiers and civilians are killed in the conquest, 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.

Asoka the Great inherits the throne.(273 BCE)

273

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.

Bindusara inherits the throne.(298 BCE)

298

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.

The Maurya expand into the Deccan Plateau.(c. 300 BCE)

300

Led by Chandragupta's son, Bindusara, the Maurya expand east into the Deccan Plateau.

Chandragupta defeats Seleucus.(c. 305 BCE)

305

Chandragupta Leads his army west and south gaining control of the upper- half of India. Greek and roman authors regarded that the Mauryian's had the biggest army at the time.

founded by Chandragupta maurya

320

The Maurya Empire when first founded by Chandragupta Maurya c. 320 B.C.E., after conquering the Nanda Empire when only about twenty years old. Chandragupta extended the borders of the Maurya Empire towards Seleucid Persia after defeating Seleucus circa 305 B.C.E