In Ancient India, many significant empires evolved. One of them was the Mauryan empire. Founded by Chandragupta Maurya, the Mauryan empire was an important dynasty in our history. The last of the Nanda rulers, Dhana Nanda was highly unpopular due to his oppressive tax regime. Also, post-Alexander’s invasion of North-Western India, that region faced a lot of unrest from foreign powers. Chandragupta, with the help of an intelligent and politically astute Brahmin, Kautilya usurped the throne by defeating Dhana Nanda in 321 BC.
Source – Wikipedia
Founder of Mauryan Empire – Chandragupta Maurya
Chandragupta Maurya was an ancient Indian emperor who ruled from around 321 BCE to 297 BCE. He was the founder of the Maurya Empire, which at its height, encompassed most of the Indian subcontinent.
Chandragupta Maurya was born in the Magadha region of ancient India, in present-day Bihar. He was the son of a chief of a small tribe called the Mauryas. As a young man, he was inspired by the teachings of the philosopher Chanakya, who later became his mentor and advisor. Under Chanakya’s guidance, Chandragupta Maurya built a powerful army and overthrew the reigning Nanda dynasty in 321 BCE. He then established the Maurya Empire, which became one of the largest and most powerful empires in the world at the time.
Chandragupta Maurya was known for his administrative and military skills. He implemented a centralized system of government, with a complex bureaucracy that included officials in charge of taxation, law and order, and intelligence gathering. He also built a large army, which was organized into different units and divisions.
Chandragupta Maurya’s reign was marked by several military conquests. He defeated the Seleucid Empire in the northwest and extended his empire as far south as the Deccan Plateau. He also maintained diplomatic relations with other kingdoms, including the Hellenic kingdoms in the west.
After ruling for more than 20 years, Chandragupta Maurya abdicated his throne in favor of his son Bindusara and became a Jain monk. He spent the rest of his life in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and died in around 297 BCE.
Second Ruler of Mauryan Empire – Bindusara
Bindusara was an ancient Indian emperor who ruled from around 298 BCE to 272 BCE. He was the second ruler of the Maurya Empire, succeeding his father Chandragupta Maurya.
Not much is known about Bindusara’s early life or accession to the throne. However, it is known that he continued his father’s policies of expansion and consolidation of the empire. Bindusara is said to have conquered the Deccan region and parts of southern India, as well as parts of present-day Afghanistan.
Bindusara was known for his patronage of the arts and learning. He was said to be a great supporter of Buddhism and invited several Buddhist scholars to his court. According to some accounts, he also patronized Jainism and other religious sects.
Bindusara had several wives and concubines, and his favorite wife was named Dharma. He had two sons, Susima and Ashoka, who were born to different mothers. Susima was initially named as his successor, but Ashoka ultimately became the emperor after a power struggle.
Bindusara ruled for more than 25 years and died in around 272 BCE. He was succeeded by his son Ashoka, who went on to become one of the most famous and powerful emperors in Indian history.
Third Ruler of the Mauryan Empire – Ashoka
Ashoka was the son of Emperor Bindusara and was appointed as the governor of the province of Avanti during his father’s reign. After a succession battle with his brothers, Ashoka eventually emerged as the victor and became the emperor in 268 BCE.
Ashoka’s reign was marked by several military campaigns, including a campaign against the Kalinga kingdom in eastern India. The war was said to be brutal and caused a great deal of suffering, leading Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and renounce violence.
After his conversion to Buddhism, Ashoka began to focus on promoting peace, tolerance, and non-violence. He instituted several reforms, including the construction of hospitals, rest houses, and universities throughout his empire. He also established a set of ethical guidelines known as the “Ashoka’s Dhamma” which promoted values such as compassion, honesty, and respect for all life.
Ashoka’s legacy has endured throughout history, and he is often regarded as one of the greatest emperors in Indian history. His conversion to Buddhism and his embrace of non-violence has had a profound influence on the history of the region, and his edicts can still be found throughout India and neighboring countries today.
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