Maurya dynasty is an Indian dynasty in fourth-third centuries BCE, which unified the subcontinent for the first time and contributed to the spread of Buddhism. Maurya dynasty came into existence by the effort of Chandragupta Maurya who was motivated by Alexander stupendous military achievements and fantastic army. Maurya dynasty had a very powerful military and political history in India. Chandragupta overthrew the Nanda dynasty, which was at power, and expanded its territories from central india to the western parts. Later Maurya king Bindusara later expanded the Maurya dynasty to the southern regions.

Background and History Of Maurya Dynesty:
The Maurya Empire flourished at its extreme under the reign of Chandragupta. He conquered trans-indus region, which was under Alexander,Macedonian rule. Chandragupta, defeated the invasion led by Seleucus, a Greek general from Alexander`s army and Chandragupta established a complex administration at Pataliputra, which was also a strong centralized state.

The next king was Bindusara, Chandragupta`s son though he was not very well known. He had diplomatic contacts with the west, which encouraged him to even ask things from them. Bindusara is often credited for his southern ventures that expanded the kingdom further in the southern peninsula.

Ashoka is considered by historians as the greatest of the Indian monarchs. He was a very ambitious and aggressive Monarch and was responsible for the subduing of many revolts in Ujjain and Taxila. Under him supremacy was again asserted in the southern India. The war at Kalinga brought a turning point in his life, which marked the great monarch`s spiritual regeneration.

Kalinga war: The war at Kalinga marked a period of massive bloodshed and misery. Around 100,000 soldiers and civilians were killed in the furious warfare, in which 10,000 were Ashoka`s own men. He repented the destruction that wars bring over mankind and was enlightened by teachings of Gautama Buddha. He prohibited any violent act, killings and forced labor. Peace relations were set up with neighbouring states and the army was used to maintain peace and order.

Administration, Economy Religion:
Four provincial town of Tosali (in the east), Ujjain in the west, Suvarnagiri (in the south), and Taxila (in the north) comprised of the Mauryan dynasty, headed by the Kumara or the royal prince as king`s representative. This was further led by the Mantriparishad at an imperial level.

Maurya dynasty`s internal and external trade, agriculture and economic activities, flourished and boomed across India. The Arthashastra advised a nationally administerd tax system which freed the farmers paying taxes at a regional level. Public works and waterways were promoted to enhance productivity and expansion in internal trade. India`s exports included silk goods and textiles, spices and exotic foods. Technological developments also took place which asisted in trade practises.

A series of religious tendencies can be observed in the Mauryan kingdom. Beginning with Jainism under Chandragupta, it took a turn with bindusara`s Hindu inclinings, later Ashoka was again a powrful patron of Buddhism. Several jain and Hindu stupas and temples indicate their religious fervor.

Art and architecture:
There are not many architectural brilliance of this dynasty. In this regard Pillars of Ashoka deserves a mention which were exquisite in design and availability throughout the subcontinent.

Decline:
The decline of the empire started with the death of Ashoka. After the death of Demetrius in c.170 his sons continued conflicts with the Mauryan empire. Then finally the Greek army captured Patna under King Menander uniting Indo-Greek kingdom.

The Mauryan dynasty is a glorious chapter in the history of Indian dynasties. With a remarkable army and socio-economic prosperity and religious developments they excelled for years until their decline. Even after the decline their glory could be realized and never to be disputed even by the Greek rule.