👉 Period: 322 BCE – 185 BCE
👉 First large empire to unify most of India

👑 1. Chandragupta Maurya

📍 Basic Facts

• Founder of the Maurya Empire
• Came to power with help of:
  • Chanakya
• Defeated:
  • Dhana Nanda

🏛️ Administration

• Established centralized administration
• Capital: Pataliputra
• Divided empire into provinces
• Strong bureaucracy and efficient governance

🛡️ Military

• Maintained a large standing army
• Included:
  • Infantry
  • Cavalry
  • Elephants
  • Chariots

🌍 Foreign Relations

• Treaty with Seleucus Nicator
• Received territories in exchange for:
  • 500 elephants
• Greek ambassador:
  • Megasthenes
  • Wrote Indica

🧘 Later Life

• Adopted Jainism
• Died at Shravanabelagola

👑 2. Ashoka

📍 Basic Facts

• Grandson of Chandragupta Maurya
• One of the greatest rulers in Indian history

⚔️ Kalinga War (Turning Point)

• Fought around 261 BCE
• Region: Kalinga
• Massive destruction and loss of life
  👉 Led to Ashoka’s transformation

☸️ Policy of Dhamma

• After war, Ashoka adopted Buddhism
• Promoted:
  • Non-violence (Ahimsa)
  • Religious tolerance
  • Welfare of people

🪨 Edicts of Ashoka

• Messages inscribed on:
  • Rocks and pillars
• Written in:
  • Prakrit language
• Spread across empire
• Purpose:
  • Communicate policies and moral values

🏛️ Administration

• Continued strong administration
• Appointed officers called:
  • Dhamma Mahamatras
• Focus on:
  • Justice
  • Welfare measures

🌍 Spread of Buddhism

• Sent missionaries to:
  • Sri Lanka
  • Central Asia
  • Southeast Asia
• His son:
  • Mahendra
• His daughter:
  • Sanghamitra

📊 Comparison: Chandragupta vs Ashoka

✨ Importance of Maurya Empire

• First political unification of India
• Strong administrative system
• Spread of Buddhism worldwide
• Foundation for future empires

🔄 Quick Revision Points

• Founder: Chandragupta Maurya
• Advisor: Chanakya
• Capital: Pataliputra
• Turning point: Kalinga War
• Ashoka’s policy: Dhamma