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History glossary

Maurya Empire

the ancient Indian empire founded by Chandragupta Maurya that united much of the subcontinent.

Category
Empire
Region
South Asia
Date range
c. 322-185 BCE

What it means

The Maurya Empire was an ancient Indian empire founded around 322-321 BCE after Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the Nanda dynasty in Magadha. At its height under Ashoka, it ruled much of the Indian subcontinent through conquest, provincial administration, taxation, roads, officials and royal authority.

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