Mauryan Empire Establishment
Summary:
- Invasion of Alexander of Macedon laid path for the establishment of Mauryan empire.
- Chandragupta maurya was the founder of mauryan empire
- Mauryan empire was the largest empire of Indian history.
- Ashoka was the greatest leader of Maurya empire (perhaps the most powerful India ever seen).
- King Ashoka converted to Buddhism after the massacre and bloodshed in Kalinga war.
- Ashoka established a capital at the walled city of Pataliputra.
Brief History:
Before the Mauryan Empire, the Indian subcontinent was fragmented into hundreds of kingdoms that were ruled by powerful regional chiefs who engaged in warfare using their small armies.
In 327 BCE, Alexander of Macedon and his troops entered India and overran the existing kingdoms in the Punjab region. He left after only two years, but his destruction of the regional powers opened the opportunity for other groups to seize control. The first group, the kingdom of Magadha, used their military to gain control of trade routes through the Ganges valley and the sea routes to the Bay of Bengal.
Soon after a young man in Taxila began to train an army and took control over the Magadha. He was none other than Chandragupta Maurya.
Chandragupta united the Indus and Ganges valley Great services were seen at that time and the capital Patna was turned into a very beautiful city.Bindusara Maurya was Chandragupta's son and the lawful successor of the Mauryan dynasty. His rule lasted till 297 BCE. He is the least popular out the three Mauryan rulers.
Ashoka succeeded his father in 272 BCE and proved to a great conqueror. Except for the south India he united the Indian subcontinent. After the massacre and bloodshed in Kalinga war the king converted to Buddhism. Several stupas were constructed by him and slaughter of animals was forbidden.
