List of the Mauryan Empire Kings: A Brief Overview of Their Administrative Roles & Victory

The Molyan Empire (322 BC-185 BC) was one of the first and most influential empires on the Indian subcontinent. Founded in 322 BC by Chandragupta Maurya, it extends from today’s Afghanistan to southern India, Pataliputra as its capital. Under the guidance of Chanakya, Chandragupta established a highly centralized administrative system that became the basis for future governance in India. The Empire is known for its structured bureaucracy, economic prosperity, military strength and important contributions to art and culture. In particular, Ashoka’s rule marked the spread of Buddhism and the adoption of welfare-oriented governance, leaving a lasting legacy.

Here we will see the legacy of Maurya Empire and what role they play in shaping Maurya Empire.

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The Origin of Chandragupta Maurya: The First Mauryan Empire King (321-297 BC)

Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire, has mysterious origins, and various sources provide different narratives about their background.

source	Propositions about the origin of Chandragupta
Greek news source	He was mentioned as Sandrokottos and described him as non-war descent.
Indian news source	Point out that he was a student of Kautilya, born in a humble family, probably Shudra’s mother.
Buddhist news source	It claims that Chandragupta belongs to the Kshatriya class.
General consensus	He is a modest orphan who is trained under the leadership of Kautilya (Chanakya).

Conquer and build the Mauryan Empire

Early struggle and conquest

• In 324 BC, Alexander the Great gave up his Indian conquest.
• Chandragupta and Kautilya (Chanakya) lifted a mercenary and began to capture Greek-ruled cities in northwestern India.
• Moving eastward, they attacked Magada, ruled by Dhana Nanda.
• After a series of battles, Chandragupta defeated Dhana Nanda in 321 BC and laid the foundation for the Mauryan Empire.

Treaty of Seleucus Nicator (305 BC)

• Chandragupta entered into a treaty with Alexander’s successor Seleucus Nicator.
• As part of the treaty:
• Chandragupta acquires: Bal Ludhistan, eastern Afghanistan and west of the Indus
• Chandragupta married Seleucus Nicator’s daughter.
• Seleucus Nigator received 500 war elephants from Chandragupta.
• The treaty helped Seleucus win the battle of IPSUS (301 B.C.).

Political and administrative development

• Greek ambassador Megasthenes was taken to court in Chandragupta.
• He adopted an expansion policy, except for the following provisions, almost all India today will
• Kalinga (Odisha)
• Southern India extremes
• His rule spanned from 321 BC to 297 BC.

Life and death in the future

• Chandragupta abdicated in 297 BC, in favor of his son Bindusara.
• Under the influence of Jain Monk Bhadrabahu, he accepted Ja’s religion.
• He went to Shravanabelagola (Karnataka) and practiced Sallekhana (ritual fasting for death), where he eventually died.

Bindusara – Second Emperor Moria (297-272 BCE)

Bindusara, the second ruler of the Mauryan Empire, was from 297 BC to 272 BC. He is the son of Chandragupta Maurya and Queen Durdhara. Bindusara played a key role in expanding the empire and maintaining diplomatic relations with foreign kingdoms.

The expansion of the Moryan Empire

Bindusara followed closely by his father Chandragupta Maurya, continuing his expansionist policy that made Mauryan Empire a powerful force. His conquests include:

• South India: He expanded Molyan’s control over the kingdoms of Chora, Pandya and Kerala.
• Deccan Plateau: He defeated the Satavahanas and secured a vast territory.
• Territory: The empire extends from the Himalayas to the north to the Indian Ocean to the south, from the Indus River to the west to the Bay of Bengal to the east.

Diplomatic relations

1. Relationship with the Seleucid Empire

Stay friendly with Antiochus I Soter. Ambassadors and gifts were exchanged. A marriage alliance formed: Bensala’s daughter Charumati married Antiochus II Theos.

2. Relationship with the Ptolemaic Kingdom

Strengthened ties with Ptolemy II of Egypt. The ambassador exchanged and a trade agreement was established. Mauryan exports: spices, ivory and luxury goods. Ptolemy imports: wine, olive oil and Mediterranean products.

3. Relationship with Greek cities

Send ambassadors to cities such as Athens and Sparta. Encourage trade and cultural exchanges. The Greek envoy was fascinated by Moriyan’s wealth and power.

Administration and governance

Bindusara maintains effective centralized management established by Chandragupta Maurya. The main characteristics of his governance include:

aspect	detail
provincial	The empire was divided into provinces, and each governor was under the leadership of the governor.
See more : Spot 3 Differences Between Bug Catching Picture in 24 Seconds Law and Order	The governor ensures justice and security in his region.
Tax collection	A well-structured income system is in place.
Spy System	Use spies to monitor officials and prevent corruption.

Cultural and religious contributions

• Arts and Sciences Patron: Encourage literature, music and dance.
• Buddhist supporters: Promote the spread of Buddhism and build pagodas and monasteries.

Death and inheritance

• Bindusara died in 272 BC after 25 years of reign.
• His son Ashoka inherited him, who became one of India’s greatest emperors.

Key achievements of Bindusara

• The Mauryan Empire was expanded to its peak.
• Maintained diplomatic relations with Seleucid, Ptolemy and Greek city-states.
• Strengthen centralized management.
• Encourage art, culture and literature.
• Promote the harmony between Buddhism and religion.

Ashoka – The Third Emperor Morian (268-232 BCE)

Ashoka (known as Ashoka the Great) ruled from 268 BC to 232 BC. He was respected for his transformation from a fierce warrior to a promoter of peace and Buddhism.

Early life and going to the stage

Ashoka was born in Bindusara in 304 BC. He had several siblings, initially Susiema was the heir. After Bindusara’s death, he fought for succession and became emperor in 268 BC, overcoming political challenges and rebellion.

The Kalinga War and Its Impact

The Kalina War took place in 261 BC and caused many casualties and deaths. The profound touch of the destruction led Ashoka to give up violence. Later after the war, Ashoka transformed into Buddhism, accepting the principles of Dharma (righteousness) and Ahimsa (non-violence).

Ashoka’s Dharma and Dharma Decrees

Ashoka issued Rock and Pillar Ordinances throughout the empire to promote its governance ideals.

decree	Key News
Rock Decree Thirteen	Emphasize authenticity, non-violence and respect for the elders.
Pillar Decree VII	Advocate religious tolerance. “All sects deserve reverence.”
Little Rock Order Me	Encourage compassion for animals and urge people to avoid hunting.

Spread Buddhism

• Send Buddhist missionaries to Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
• Stupas, Viharas (monastery) and Buddhist institutions were built.
• Advocate moral and moral governance.

Ashoka’s legacy

• The Golden Age of the Maurion Empire.
• Promote peace, tolerance and social harmony.
• Established moral and humanitarian governance.
• Spread Buddhism in Asia.

Later Morian rulers (232-180 B.C.)

Later Molyan rulers worked hard to maintain a huge empire after the rule of Ashoka. Their rule gradually declined central authority, internal stability and territorial control. Here are detailed descriptions of the last six Maury emperors and their contributions or challenges.

Later Morian rulers

ruler	reign	Key Features
Dasaratha Maurya	See more : Indian Democracy Quiz: GK Questions And Answers On Indian Democracy 232-224 BC	Support Buddhism, ensure administrative stability and limited military expansion.
Samprati Maurya	224-215 BC	Promotes Janata, focusing on internal stability, facing the rise of challenges.
Shalishuka Maurya	215-202 BC	Marking the beginning of the decline, management weakening and external threats.
Devavarman Maurya	202-195 BC	Struggling with decentralization, local rebellion and loss of control.
Shatadhanvan Maurya	195-187 BC	Continuous decline, internal cracks, unstable.
Brihadratha Maurya	187-180 BC	The last Moryan ruler was assassinated by Pushyamitra Shunga, marking the end of the dynasty.

A detailed overview of later Mauryan rulers

1. Dasaratha Maurya (232-224 BC)

Ashoka’s grandson. He retained Ashoka’s policy, especially in supporting Buddhism. Focus on internal stability rather than military expansion. Ensure administrative continuity of the empire.

2. SampratiMaurya (224-215 BC)

He is another grandson of Ahsoka. Known for his strong support for Jana religion, he actively spreads religion. Despite internal and external threats, we remain committed to maintaining peace and stability. Continuous welfare measures proposed by former rulers.

3. ShalishukaMaurya (215-202 BC)

His reign marked the early decline of the Morion Empire. Struggling with internal instability and growing external threats. Facing weakened administrative control and rising regional autonomy. It is impossible to maintain the concentrated strength of its predecessors.

4. Devavarman Maurya (202-195 BC)

Attempts to preserve the integrity of the empire, but failed to a large extent. I have seen a lot of power decentralization. Work to manage the increasing local insurgency and weaken governance. The empire lost substantial territorial control under his rule.

5. Shatadhanvan Maurya (195-187 BC)

Confronted with ongoing challenges, including uprisings and external invasions. It is impossible to include the growing divisions in the empire. During his reign, the decline of Moryan’s rule accelerated. Laid the foundation for the final fall of the dynasty.

6. Brihadratha Maurya (187-180 BC)

The last ruler of the Mori Empire. His rule was a sign of the extreme instability and disintegration of the empire. The Shunga Dynasty was founded by the general Pushyamitra Shunga, who assassinated him. His death symbolized the end of the Moryan Empire and led to a new stage in Indian history.

in conclusion

From 322 BC to 185 BC, the Mauryan Empire laid the foundation for centralized management, economic prosperity and military strength for ancient India. From the conquest of Chandragupta Maurya to the welfare-driven rule of Ashoka, the empire influenced governance, trade and the spread of religion, especially Buddhism. However, after Ashoka’s death, the weak ruler, decentralization and internal conflict led to its decline, which eventually led to the assassination of Brihadratha Maurya in 180 BC. Despite the decline, Molyan’s legacy shapes future Indian dynasties and governance structures, having a profound impact on South Asian history.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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