One
of the greatest empires in the history of India was the Maurya Empire.
It approximately lasted from 322 - 185 B.C. Most of India was united as
a single entity by the great emperor Chandragupta Maurya. His son
Bindusara extended the kingdom of Mauryas over almost the entire
sub-continent. The Mauryan Empire had the most powerful military force
in ancient India. The greatest emperor of the Maurya dynasty was Ashoka.
An able administrator and a skillful warrior, Ashoka converted to
Buddhism after the gruesome Battle of Kalinga. The Maurya Empire had smooth administration and efficient rulers. The government was hierarchical and centralized with a lot of staff to make sure that work was carried on smoothly and efficiently. Taxes were collected regularly, trade and commerce was carried on smoothly, citizens were taken care of and the army was always ready for any sort of external aggression or threat. Every province had its own officials who managed administration at grassroots level. The economy was agrarian and the main economic activity of people was agriculture. The capital city of Magadha was beautifully decorated and had all facilities that any modern city would have.
In the Mauryan dynasty, art and literature flourished and the rulers built many famous temples and monuments. Ashoka preached his philosophies in the form of pillars and rock edicts all over northern India. The great advisor Chanakya, who is said to be the driving force behind the fame and success of Emperor Chandragupta, also wrote many great books that have been compiled as literary masterpieces. The Maurya dynasty also saw the rise and fall of many different empires in the south of India. There was constant struggle for power and control of the Deccan region and central India among various small rulers.
The Maurya Empire started to disintegrate towards late 2nd century. The north of India broke into a series of chaos and this situation attracted many invaders who crossed the border to establish their kingdoms. The rulers were busy fighting among themselves and exhausting resources when they should have checked external aggression. After the death of Ashoka, the disintegration had started and worsened by 3rd century.
