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Home / IAS Preparation / Mauryan Empire

Mauryan Empire: Founder, Capital, Rulers, Administration & Decline

Last Updated on May 15, 2025
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The Mauryan Empire is one such dynasties that stand out in the annals of Indian history for being one of the greatest. It was, in fact, one of the seminal moments in ancient India for the initiation of a centralized rule. This mighty empire did play a very significant role in cruise control over the Indian subcontinent. The syllabus of the UPSC mentions the administration, economy, rulers, and decline of the Mauryan Empire; henceforth, it is clearly an important topic for the candidates. Founded by Chandragupta Maurya, this empire attained its height under Ashoka the Great. The capital of Mauryan Empire, Pataliputra, was a bustling center of political and cultural activity. The Mauryan dynasty had a well-organized, organized administration that lent considerable strength to its rule.

Mauryan Empire is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the Ancient History subject in the General Studies Paper-1 syllabus. In this article, we shall discuss in detail about various important rulers of Mughal Empire.

GS Paper

General Studies Paper I

Topics for UPSC Prelims

Foundation and expansion of the Mauryan Empire, Chandragupta Maurya and Kautilya’s role, Ashoka’s Dhamma and inscriptions

Topics for UPSC Mains

Administrative structure and governance, Arthashastra and its relevance in statecraft, Ashoka’s contribution to Buddhism and its impact

Sources for the Mauryan Empire

While the history of the Mauryan Empire is reconstructed through literary texts, inscriptions, and archaeological evidence, Megasthenes' Indica provides a significant account from a Greek ambassador. Kautilya's Arthashastra gives valuable detail about governance, economy, and administration. Ashoka's rock edicts are an invaluable source for history. Archaeological finds, like the remains of Pataliputra, testify to the splendor of the Maurya dynasty.

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Origin and Expansion of the Mauryan Empire

The Mauryan Empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya, a ruler who united fragmented kingdoms under a centralized rule. Building upon military conquests and alliances, it burgeoned across vast stretches, becoming one of the most extensive empires in ancient Indian history.

Who Founded the Mauryan Empire?

The founder of Mauryan Empire was Chandragupta Maurya. He established the dynasty in 321 BCE by overthrowing the Nanda dynasty. Under Chanakya's guidance, he built a strong centralized administration. The empire was politically stable and economically prosperous, rendering it one of the most powerful in history.

Chandragupta Maurya Empire and Expansion

The expansion of the Maurya Empire happened rather quickly. He defeated the Greek ruler Seleucus Nicator and entered into a treaty with him by which he gained control over territories covering parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. With these expansions came extensifying trade routes, reinforcing the empire's economic power.

Mauryan Empire Map

The Mauryan Empire Map highlights its vast extent, covering most of India, Pakistan, and parts of Afghanistan. The Ashoka Empire Map shows the empire at its peak. Emperor Ashoka ruled over an empire that extended from the Himalayas to the southern states of India, but it did not include the extreme south portion. Trade routes and administrative settlements were set with a strategic design for proper governance in the entirety.

Mauryan Administration

The Mauryan Administration was a highly centralized and efficient system. It was based on a hierarchical structure with the emperor as the supreme authority, supported by ministers, provincial governors, and a well-organized bureaucracy.

Governance and Administration of Mauryan Empire

The Mauryan Administration was highly organized and hierarchical. The emperor was the supreme authority, assisted by a council of ministers. The administration was divided into provinces with each being ruled by a royal prince or a high official; the provinces contained districts and villages for good governance.

Mauryan Economy and Revenue System

Provided that: The Mauryan economy was primarily based on agriculture, trade, and taxation. Land revenue was one of the most important sources of revenue, which was systematically collected. Trade and commerce were regulated by the government to ensure fair practices. Virtually all parts of the Mauryan empire had an adequate network of roads for trade through the regions.

Study in detail about Mauryan Art and Architecture here!

Mauryan Empire Rulers and Their Contributions

The rulers of the Mauryan Empire played a crucial role in shaping Indian history. From Chandragupta, the founder of the empire, to Ashoka the Great, who embraced Buddhism, everyone helped with administration, management, and expansion toward territory. 

Ruler

Reign Period

Contributions

Chandragupta Maurya

321–297 BCE

Founded the Mauryan Empire by overthrowing the Nanda dynasty, expanded the empire, and established a centralized administration with the guidance of Chanakya. Later adopted Jainism and renounced his throne.

Bindusara

297–273 BCE

Expanded the empire further south, maintained diplomatic relations with Greek and Persian rulers, and followed a policy of religious tolerance.

Ashoka the Great

273–232 BCE

Expanded the empire to its greatest extent, waged the Kalinga War, later adopted Buddhism, promoted Dhamma, built stupas and pillars, and spread Buddhism to foreign lands.

Dasaratha Maurya

232–224 BCE

Continued Ashoka’s policies, focused on Buddhist patronage, and faced growing internal unrest leading to a decline in central authority.

Samprati Maurya

224–215 BCE

Attempted to revive the empire, promoted Jainism, built numerous temples, but failed to restore the empire's former strength.

Salishuka Maurya

215–202 BCE

Faced administrative inefficiencies, struggled to maintain control over provinces, and saw the beginning of the empire’s disintegration.

Devavarman Maurya

202–195 BCE

Weak ruler under whom the empire further declined due to growing rebellions and internal strife.

Shatadhanvan Maurya

195–187 BCE

Lost key territories, failed to maintain military strength, and faced constant external threats.

Brihadratha Maurya

187–185 BCE

The last ruler of Maurya dynasty, assassinated by his commander Pushyamitra Shunga, marking the end of the Mauryan Empire and the rise of the Shunga Dynasty.

Literary Sources of Mauryan Empire

The Literary Sources of the Mauryan Empire provide valuable historical insights through texts like Megasthenes' Indica, Kautilya’s Arthashastra, and Buddhist and Jain literature, which describe administration, economy, society, and the governance of the Maurya dynasty.

Arthashastra

  • Arthashastra was written by Kautilya in Sanskrit.
  • Kautilya was the contemporary of Chandragupta Maurya
  • Arthashastra deals with the entire legal and bureaucratic framework required for the administration of the kingdom
  • It was compiled a few centuries after the Maurya rule, yet this book contains authentic information about the Mauryan administration.
  • It serves to be the most important source of the Mauryan empire.
  • It contains 15 books and 180 chapters and they are divided into three broad divisions.

Mudrarakshasa

  • Mudrarakshasa is a drama written by Visakadata in Sanskrit.
  • Though this piece of work belongs to the Gupta era, it gives an image of the socio economic conditions under the Mauryas.
  • The victory of Chandragupta Maurya over Nandas under the guidance of Kautilya is elaborated in this.

Indika

  • Indika was written by Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador who was sent by Selecus to Chandragupta Maurya’s court.
  • He wrote an account of the administration of the capital city, Pataliputra and the Mauryan empire as well.
  • His works were not available in full and the fragments of his works were collected and compiled by the Greek writers. This compilation was published in the name Indika.

Apart from these three major sources, some of the Buddhist literature and puranas draws an account of the Mauryan empire.

Check out the Post Mauryan Trends in Indian Art and Architecture from the given link!

Mauryan Empire Society and Religion

The society of the Mauryan Empire was well-structured. People were divided into various occupational groups. The state played a crucial role in welfare activities. Chandragupta Maurya Religion was initially Hinduism, but he later adopted Jainism. Ashoka embraced Buddhism and promoted religious tolerance. He sent missionaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia to spread Buddhist teachings.

Mauryan Architecture and Achievements

The Mauryan Architecture and Achievements showcased advanced craftsmanship, urban planning, and artistic excellence. It consisted of magnificent palaces, rock-cut caves, stupas, and the famous Ashoka Pillars, characteristics of the sheer architectural grandeur and richness of culture that prevailed in the empire.

Architecture of the Mauryan Empire

Mauryan architecture was fine, adorned with stupas, palaces, and rock-cut caves, and the Ashoka Pillars, inscribed with edicts, simply stand out as the highest examples of Mauryan art. The Maurya Dynasty Time Period witnessed architectural developments that influenced later dynasties.

Maurya Dynasty Time Period

The Maurya Dynasty Time Period lasted from 321 BCE to 185 BCE. The Mauryan Empire Timeline highlights significant events, including the rule of Maurya dynasty rulers, the rise of Ashoka, and the eventual decline.

Read the linked article to learn about the Mahabodhi Temple.

Mauryan Empire Economy

The Mauryan economy was highly developed. Agricultural development took place along with irrigation facilities providing food crops. Internal as well as external trade was flourishing within the kingdom. The empire had established trade relations with Greece, Rome, and China. Some proprietors were control by the government, such as those carrying on mining and metallurgy. Taxation was required to fill the coffers for administration and military expenses.

Check out this article on Temple Style Architecture for the UPSC Exam!

Mauryan Empire Decline

The Decline of Mauryan Empire resulted from several factors:

  • Weak Successor Rulers: With the reign of Ashoka, weak rulers such as Dasaratha and Brihadratha become incapable of sustaining their control over their empire, which resulted in fragmentation and instability.
  • Decline in Economic Means: The economy of the empire, by now weakened, withstood detriment from the heavy costs of administration, decline in trade, and decline of control over resources.
  • External Threats to Empire: A constant threat was posed against its northwestern borders by Indo-Greek rulers and Central Asian invaders to weaken imperial control over far-off provinces.
  • Internal Rebellions: Clashing desires of regional governors and military generals inviting severe dissentations among them led to constant insurrections, undermining coherence and putting the administrative efficiency of the empire at sixes and sevens.
  • Overcentralization of Power: A highly centralized governing system became unmanageable with time, dysfunctional with long-term consequences, and the imperial identity lost authority.
  • Rising Local Powers: Several regions, including the Deccan and northwestern provinces, declared independence, leading to the fragmentation of the once-majestic Mauryan state.
  • Religious Shifts: The promotion of Buddhism and non-violence led to the decline of military aggression, weakening the empire’s ability to defend itself against external threats.
  • Assassination of the Last Ruler: The last ruler of Maurya dynasty, Brihadratha, was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Shunga, marking the official end of the Mauryan Period and the rise of the Shunga dynasty.

If you have mastered Mauryan Empire NCERT Notes, you can also learn about Ashoka Edicts – NCERT Notes in detail here

Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants

 
  • Founder: Chandragupta Maurya established the Mauryan Empire in 321 BCE with guidance from Chanakya, defeating the Nanda dynasty.
  • Administration: Centralized governance with a hierarchical bureaucracy, efficient tax collection, and provincial administration for effective control over vast territories.
  • Economy: Thrived on agriculture, trade, and state-controlled industries, with standardized weights and measures promoting economic stability.
  • Ashoka’s Rule: Expanded the empire but later embraced Buddhism, promoting Dhamma and non-violence after the Kalinga War.
  • Military Strength: Maintained a large standing army, war elephants, and an advanced espionage system for internal security and intelligence gathering.

Conclusion

The Mauryan Empire was a remarkable period in Indian history. The Maurya Dynasty Kings established a strong administration and economy. Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka played crucial roles in shaping its legacy. Though the decline of Mauryas ended their rule, their contributions remain significant.

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Mauryan Empire NCERT Notes FAQs

Ashoka the great, was the son of Bindusara. He succeeded to the throne after his father. His reign framed a crucial part for continued links with Greeks

The Mauryan empire (322 - 185)BCE was the largest Indian empire. Except Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the entire country came under the Mauryan empire.

Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan empire in 322 BCE. He defeated the weak Nandas with the help of Kautilya and captured the throne.

Ashoka was succeeded by his grandson Dasharatha Maurya. The Mauryan empire was under the weak successors of Ashoka for about fifty years.

Pushyamitra Shunga of the Shunga dynasty defeated the Mauryan empire in 185 BCE. He is said to have killed Brihadratha and captured the throne forcibly. The Sungas ruled Central India and Pataliputra.
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