Chandragupta founded the Maurya dynasty, or ruling family in 321 BC. He defeated the Nanda dynasty and came to occupy the capital of the kingdom. Chandragupta reigned for 24 years.
He was reportedly advised by a brilliant Brahmin minister, variously called Kautilya or Chanakya, who is considered the author of the Arthashastra.
Chandragupta is credited with having an enormous army and driving out the last Greek garrisons. In 305 BC he defeated Seleucus Nicator.
To expand his territory, Chandragupta conquered many surrounding lands. His son Bindusara, who took the throne in 297 BC conquered more lands to the south.
Grandson of Chandragupta, Asoka rules during 273-232 BC was the most prominent king of the Mauryan dynasty. His empire extends from Afghanistan (northwest) to Assam (northeast) and from the Himalayas in the north to Mysore in the south.
Around 200 BC, the Mauryan Empire went into decline. A military commander assassinated the last Maurya emperor, Brhadratha, in 185 BC. The commander founded his own dynasty and the Mauryan Empire ended.
History of Maurya Empire
