During the time of Buddha, India was ruled by various Rajahs or princes who led independent city-states. In 320 BC, Chandragupta Maurya united India to form the Maurya Empire, the first imperial dynasty. As the founder of the Maurya Empire, Chandragupta enacted harsh policies according to the political treatise Arthashastra, such as enslaving peasants and unfairly taxing farmers' crops. Buddhism originated from Siddhartha Gautama, the son of an Indian prince, who was inspired to seek answers about suffering after witnessing it firsthand. He achieved enlightenment and became known as Buddha, teaching that people should seek love, knowledge, and