The Great Empires of India: From Maurya to Mughal
The Maurya Empire (322-185 BCE) was the first major historical Indian empire, and definitely the largest one created by an Indian dynasty. The empire arose as a consequence of state consolidation in northern India, which led to one state, Magadha, in today’s Bihar, dominating the Ganges plain. The empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya, who overthrew the Nanda Empire with the help of his minister Chanakya, the author of the Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft and politics. The empire expanded rapidly under Chandragupta and his successors, especially Ashoka, who is famous for his edicts promoting Buddhism and peace. The empire reached its peak under Ashoka, who controlled most of South Asia except the southernmost parts. The empire declined after Ashoka's death and was eventually overthrown by the Shunga dynasty in 185 BCE. The Gupta Empire (320-550 CE) is considered the golden age of classical Indian culture, as it witnessed a flourishing of art, lite...