The Mauryan Empire
* Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire – India’s first empire.
* Chandragupta was succeeded by his son Bindusara, who, in turn, was succeeded by Ashoka.
* The Mauryan Empire covered a vast region of Indi, hence Mauryan emperors often sought help their family members.
* Mauryan emperors appointed officials for collecting taxes and maintaining law and order.
Ashoka
* Ashoka was the son of Bindusara and the grandson of Chandra of Chandragupta Maurya.
* He was a fierce warrior and an able administrator.
* Nearly eight years after becoming the Emperor of the Mauryan Empire, he fought his first war as a king and conquered the kingdom of kalinga.
* The war left him heartbroken and ashamed of his actions.
* He converted to Buddhism and spread Dhamma far and wide by putting up edicts and appointing Dhamma Mahamattas.
* Under him, people led a peaceful life of tolerance and economic progress, making the Mauryan the strongest of its times.