Maurya Empire

Asoka the Great
Asoka was Chandragupta's grandson. A few years after he began his rule in 268 BC, he fought in a war where he witnessed thousands and thousands of people being killed. He was horrified and abandoned all violence and turned to strict Buddhism. He sent missionaries to convert others as well. Without rejecting other religions, he paved the way for Buddhism in Asia. Asoka's rule was very peaceful and he had hospitals, roads and rest houses.

Chandragupta Maurya

In 321 BC, Chandragupta forged the first Indian empire. He first gained power in the Ganges valley before he conquered northern India. His son and his grandson took over his work and conquered the south. From 321 BC to 185 BC the Maurya dynasty ruled over a vast, powerful empire. He was a harsh ruler who was obsessed with his death. He was so paranoid people wanted to kill him that he had secret police, servants who tasted all his food before he did and slept in a different bed every night. His secret police were brutal and feared. While his reign was successful, it was tough.

The Maurya empire had a long and powerful rule but by 185 BC the unity was shattered and empire began to fall apart when rival princes began to fight for power over the Gangetoc Plains. India had rarely ever stay united for long periods of time but the empire fell apart completely when conquerors began to invade.

Chapter 3 Section 3