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