• Maurya State 200 BC

The Indian subcontinent has seen the rise and fall of the great Mauryan empire, centred on the powerful state of Maghada. At its height, this empire covered most of India plus much of Afghanistan and eastern Iran.

The greatest of the Mauryan emperors was Asoka (273 – 232 BC). He was a practicing Buddhist, and early in his reign renounced violent conquest and sort to exhort his subjects to live peaceable and just lives.

The Mauryan empire began to break up very shortly after Asoka’s death. In 200 BC Maghada remains a powerful state, though its empire seems to have been divided between different branches of the Maurya royal family.

Related Timelines:
Timeline of South Asia

To select date, click on the tab or select from the drop-down list below. To browse the map click on the underlined names or select region from the drop-down list.