Mauryan Empire: Overview and Timeline

The Maurya Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya around 322 BCE, emerged as the first pan-Indian state, stretching from the Hindu Kush in the west to Bengal in the east. It centralized governance through a network of provinces, a standing army, and a sophisticated civil service underpinned by Chanakya’s Arthashastra. The dynasty's zenith under Ashoka showcased unprecedented administrative cohesion and cultural patronage before its decline in 185 BCE.