The Rise of Empires

Overview

From the powerful kingdom of Magadha grew India's first great empire, the Mauryan Empire. An empire is much larger than a kingdom and brings many regions under one ruler. The Mauryas, especially Chandragupta and Ashoka, built a vast and well-administered empire that united much of the Indian subcontinent.

Key points

• Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire around 321 BCE, helped by his minister Chanakya (Kautilya).
• The book Arthashastra describes statecraft and administration.
• Ashoka was the greatest Mauryan ruler; after the Kalinga War he gave up violence.
• Ashoka spread the message of Dhamma through rock and pillar edicts.
• The Lion Capital of Ashoka is India's national emblem.

Important terms / dates

• Empire - a large state ruling over many regions and peoples.
• Dhamma - Ashoka's code of right conduct.
• Edicts - royal orders inscribed on rocks and pillars.
• 261 BCE - the Kalinga War.

Important questions

1. Who founded the Mauryan Empire?
2. How is an empire different from a kingdom?
3. What changed Ashoka after the Kalinga War?
4. What was Ashoka's Dhamma?

Quick revision

The Mauryan Empire, founded by Chandragupta around 321 BCE, became India's first great empire. Ashoka, after the Kalinga War, embraced non-violence and spread Dhamma through edicts. His Lion Capital is India's national emblem.