The Maurya Empire unified northern India under Chandragupta Maurya from 321-298 BCE. Chandragupta defeated the Persian general Seleucus and divided his empire into provinces and districts for administration and tax collection. He was paranoid of assassination attempts and took security precautions. In 301 BCE, he abdicated his throne to become a Jain. The empire continued under Asoka, who converted to Buddhism after a bloody battle in 262 BCE. Asoka built roads and promoted Buddhist principles through edicts carved on pillars across India, Pakistan, Nepal and Afghanistan. After Asoka, the Mauryan Empire fragmented and northern India came under foreign rule.

1. Maurya Empire

2. Chandragupta Maurya 321 BCE-298 BCE Unified northern India Defeated the Persian general Seleucus . Divided his empire into provinces, then districts for tax assessments and law enforcement.

3. He feared assassination  food tasters, slept in different rooms, etc. 301 BCE  gave up his throne & became a Jain.

4. The Maurya Empire 321 BCE – 185 BCE

5. Asoka (304 – 232 BCE) Religious conversion after the gruesome battle of Kalinga in 262 BCE. Dedicated his life to Buddhism. Built extensive roads.

6. Conflict  how to balance Kautilya’s methods of keeping power and Buddha’s demands to become a selfless person

7. Asoka’s Empire

8. Asoka’s law code Edicts scattered in more than 30 places in India, Nepal, Pakistan, & Afghanistan. Written mostly in Sanskrit, but one was in Greek and Aramaic.

9. 10 rock edicts. Each pillar [ stupa ] is 40’-50’ high. Buddhist principles dominate his laws.

10. One of Asoka’s Stupas

11. Turmoil & a power Vacuum: 220 BCE – 320 CE Tamils The Maurya Empire is divided into many kingdoms.

12. Mauryan Buddhist Temple

13. The last Mauryan emperor was assasinated in 184 BC A series of attacks brought northern India under foreign rule - Greek kings ruled India (183-130BC) - Kushan rulers spread Buddhism (Mahayana and Hinayana) and traded with Rome