Chandragupta Maurya was a very powerful ruler of the Maurya empire. He had a secret police to help enforce his harsh laws. Chandragupta was very paranoid of his many enemies, and he even had food tasters to make sure that his food was safe. His rule was very harsh , but also very effective. The Maurya dynasty ruled over a vast, united empire from 321 BC to 185 BC.

Asoka the Great was Chandragupta's son, and when he began his rule, his warriors engaged in a bloody war. When he realized the extent of the slaughter, he turned his back on violence. Asoka sent missionaries out to spread Buddhism across India. Although he was Buddhist, Asoka also preached tolerance for other religions. When Asoka died, the Maurya empire declined.

Chandragupta and Asoka