The Mauryan Empire was the first pan-Indian empire, followed by a period of regional powers and foreign invasions. For OAS prelims, focus on Chandragupta, Ashoka, Mauryan administration, and the post-Mauryan dynasties like Shungas, Satavahanas, and Kushans, with special attention to Kharavela of Kalinga.
Mauryan Empire
Chandragupta Maurya (c. 321–297 BCE)
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan dynasty after overthrowing the Nandas. He established the first Indian Empire with its capital at Pataliputra. He defeated Seleucus in 305 BC UPRO/ARO (Mains) 2014 and gained territories. Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador, came to his court WBCS 2018. Kautilya (Chanakya), also known as Vishnugupta, was his Prime Minister and wrote the Arthashastra. Chandragupta constructed the Sudarshan lake in Girnar UPPSC (Mains) 2007. The play Mudrarakshasa by Vishakhadatta deals with his court intrigues IAS (Pre) 2002.
The first empire in India to cover almost the entire subcontinent, founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 321 BCE.
Bindusara (c. 297–273 BCE)
Bindusara, son of Chandragupta, was known as Amitraghat (slayer of enemies) UP Lower 2015. Deimachus came to India during his reign UP Lower Sub (Pre) 2015.
Ashoka (c. 268–232 BCE)
Before his coronation, Ashoka served as Governor of Taxila and Ujjain CDS 2006. The Kalinga war (261 BCE) is described in Rock Edict XIII UPPSC (Pre) 2016. Ashoka embraced Buddhism and propagated Dhamma. His inscriptions use the name Priyadarshi and Devanampiya MPPSC (Pre) 2015. The Rummindei pillar marks Buddha's birth UPPSC (Mains) 2008. The Sarnath pillar with the Lion Capital was built by him UP Lower Sub 2008. The Third Buddhist Council was held at Pataliputra during his reign BPSC 2002.
Ashoka's Dhamma emphasized tolerance, non-violence, and welfare, not a narrow sectarian doctrine.
- Ashoka did not conquer Kalinga; he annexed it after the war, which changed his policy.
- Chandragupta Maurya, not Ashoka, was the first to conquer Malwa, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Mauryan Administration
The Mauryan administration was highly centralized. The king was assisted by the Mantriparishad. Key officials included Samaharta (chief revenue collector) UP Lower Sub (Pre) 2008, Pautavadhyaksha (weights and measures) UPPSC (Mains) 2012, and Rajjuka (district head) CDS 2009. The Saptanga theory of state is found in the Arthashastra NDA 2010. Megasthenes divided Indian society into seven categories BPSC 2003. Tax evasion was punished with death JKPSC (Pre) 2013. Sita referred to revenue from crown land UPPSC (Pre) 2013. Coins were mainly silver and copper CDS 2012.
OPSC often asks about Mauryan officials and their functions. Memorise Samaharta (revenue), Pautavadhyaksha (weights), Rajjuka (district head).
Mauryan Art and Architecture
Ashoka built the Sanchi Stupa MPPSC 2012 and the Sarnath Pillar. Rock-cut caves at Barabar were used by Ajivikas. The Mauryan period also saw the development of Northern Black Polished Ware.
Decline of the Mauryas
After Ashoka, weak rulers led to decline. The last Mauryan emperor, Brihadratha, was assassinated by Pushyamitra Shunga in 185 BCE BPSC 2008.
Post-Mauryan Period
Shunga Dynasty (185–73 BCE)
Pushyamitra Shunga founded the Shunga dynasty. He performed two Ashwamedha Yajanas, recorded in the Ayodhya inscription UPPSC 2018. The Shunga period saw the construction of the Bharhut stupa and additions to Sanchi. Sanskrit literature revived, with Patanjali's Mahabhashya.
Kanva Dynasty (73–28 BCE)
Vasudeva Kanva founded the Kanva dynasty by overthrowing Devabhuti BPSC (Pre) 2000. The last Kanva ruler was deposed by the Satavahanas.
Satavahanas (c. 1st century BCE – 3rd century CE)
Simuka founded the Satavahana dynasty UPPSC (Mains) 2008. Their capital was Pratisthan (Paithan) UP Lower (Pre) 2008. Gautamiputra Satakarni is stated as protector of the Varna system CGPSC (Pre) 2013. Satavahana rulers were identified through matronymics CDS 2020. They conflicted with the Shakas; Rudradaman defeated Vashishtiputra Satakarni UPPSC 2014. Their coins were in silver, copper, and lead, but not gold UPRO/ARO (Pre) 2016. They patronized Buddhism and the Amravati school of art.
Indo-Greeks
Menander (Milinda) was a famous Indo-Greek ruler. The Milinda Panha records his dialogue with Nagasena. They introduced military governorship in India IAS (Pre) 2000.
Shakas
Rudradaman I is known from the Junagadh inscription, which records his repair of the Sudarshan lake without forced labour UPPSC (Pre) 2014. The Shaka era was started by Kanishka in 78 AD WBCS 2008.
Kushans
Kanishka was the greatest Kushan ruler. He started the Shaka era in 78 AD WBCS 2008. The Fourth Buddhist Council was held during his reign at Kashmir, presided by Vasumitra IAS (Pre) 2001. His court included Ashvaghosha, Charaka, and Nagarjuna UP Lower Sub (Pre) 2008. The Gandhara school of art flourished, synthesizing Indian and Greek art UPPSC (Pre) 1996. The Kushans issued gold coins regularly UP Lower Sub (Pre) 2004.
Kharavela and Kalinga (Odisha)
Kharavela of the Chedi dynasty ruled Kalinga. He is known from the Hathigumpha inscription BPSC (Pre) 1999. He was a patron of Jainism UPPSC 2014. The Hathigumpha inscription is located in the Udayagiri caves near Bhubaneswar.
The Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela is a key source for Odisha's ancient history, located near Bhubaneswar.
Odisha Angle
Odisha's ancient history is closely tied to Kharavela of Kalinga. The Hathigumpha inscription in Udayagiri caves near Bhubaneswar records his achievements and his patronage of Jainism. OAS prelims may ask about Kharavela's dynasty, his religion, or the location of the inscription.
Practice Questions
Which dynasty ruled over Magadha after the Nanda dynasty?
- Maurya
- Sunga
- Gupta
- Kushana
Show answer
(a) - The Maurya dynasty ruled after the Nandas. BPSC 2005
Who was the first king to conquer Malwa, Gujarat and Maharashtra?
- Harsha
- Skandagupta
- Vikramaditya
- Chandragupta Maurya
Show answer
(d) - Chandragupta Maurya was the first to conquer these regions. UPPSC (Pre) 1991
The Rummindei Pillar of Ashoka was put up to mark:
- birth of Buddha
- enlightenment of Buddha
- first Sermon of Buddha
- demise of Buddha
Show answer
(a) - It marks the birth of Buddha at Lumbini. UPPSC (Mains) 2008
Who among the following rulers is stated as protector of 'Varna system'?
- Pushyamitra Shunga
- Kharavela
- Gautamiputra Satakarni
- Vasudeo
Show answer
(c) - Gautamiputra Satakarni is stated as protector of the Varna system. CGPSC (Pre) 2013
King Kharavela is related to:
- Pillar inscription of Girnar
- Pillar inscription of Junagarh
- Hathigumpha inscription
- Sarnath inscription
Show answer
(c) - Kharavela is known from the Hathigumpha inscription. BPSC (Pre) 1999
The Gandhara School of art is the synthesis of:
- Indian and Persian Art
- Indian and Chinese Art
- Indian and Turk-Afghan Art
- Indian and Greek Art
Show answer
(d) - Gandhara art synthesizes Indian and Greek features. UPPSC (Pre) 1996
Who started the Shaka era and when?
- Kadphises in 58 BC
- Vikramaditya in 58 BC
- Rudradaman I in AD 78
- Kanishka in AD 78
Show answer
(d) - Kanishka started the Shaka era in AD 78. WBCS 2008
The last Mauryan emperor was:
- Jaloka
- Avanti Verma
- Nandivardhana
- Brihadratha
Show answer
(d) - Brihadratha was the last Mauryan emperor. BPSC 2008