322 BCE – 185 BCE
Maurya Dynasty Dynasty
The Maurya dynasty was the first imperial dynasty to unify most of the Indian subcontinent. Founded by Chandragupta Maurya with the guidance of Chanakya, the dynasty ruled for 137 years and saw the transformation from military expansion to benevolent governance under Ashoka.
Founder
Chandragupta Maurya
Last Ruler
Brihadratha Maurya
Capital
Pataliputra
Contributions
Notable Contributions
1
First pan-Indian imperial administration
2
Spread of Buddhism across Asia
3
Arthashastra — masterpiece of political thought
4
Ashokan edicts — earliest decipherable inscriptions
5
Architectural achievements (Sanchi Stupa, Ashokan pillars)
Rulers
Chandragupta MauryaBindusaraAshoka the GreatDasharatha MauryaSampratiShalishukaDevavarmanShatadhanvanBrihadratha