The dynasty expanded into India's southern regions by the reign of the emperors Chandragupta and Bindusara, but it excluded Kalinga (modern Odisha), until it was conquered by Ashoka. It declined for about 50 years after Ashoka's rule, and dissolved in 185 BCE with the foundation of the Shunga dynasty in Magadha.

Extent of the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya

The Mauryan Empire was one of the most significant and powerful empires in ancient India, which was established by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE. The empire stretched across a vast territory, encompassing a significant portion of the Indian subcontinent. Here is a detailed explanation of the extent of the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya:

1. Initial Expansion
- Chandragupta Maurya began his conquest by overthrowing the Nanda dynasty, which ruled over the Magadha region in present-day Bihar, India.
- After consolidating his power in Magadha, Chandragupta Maurya expanded his empire northwestward, capturing territories such as Punjab and Sindh.
- He also defeated the Greek general Seleucus Nicator, gaining control over the Indus Valley region.

2. Annexation of Northwestern India
- Chandragupta Maurya's most significant conquest was the annexation of the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, including modern-day Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan.
- He defeated the powerful Greek ruler Seleucus Nicator, who had inherited the eastern territories of Alexander the Great's empire.
- The victory led to the Seleucid-Mauryan Treaty, which established a boundary between the Mauryan Empire and the Seleucid Empire, allowing Chandragupta to extend his empire even further.

3. Expansion into South India
- Under the reign of Ashoka, Chandragupta's grandson, the Mauryan Empire expanded its influence into South India.
- Ashoka's empire included the present-day states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- He sent Buddhist missionaries to these regions to spread the teachings of Buddhism.

4. Maritime Influence
- The Mauryan Empire had a significant maritime influence, especially along the eastern coast of India.
- Chandragupta Maurya established friendly relations with the powerful maritime state of Sri Lanka, ensuring trade and cultural exchanges between the two regions.
- The empire also had control over coastal regions, allowing it to establish trade links with Southeast Asia.

5. Administrative Divisions
- The Mauryan Empire was divided into provinces, known as Mahajanapadas, which were further divided into districts.
- The administration was centralized, with each province being governed by a prince appointed by the emperor.
- The empire had a well-organized bureaucracy and an efficient system of taxation and revenue collection.

Conclusion
Under the rule of Chandragupta Maurya, the Mauryan Empire expanded its territory significantly, encompassing a vast part of the Indian subcontinent, including present-day India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of Iran. The empire's influence extended to the northwestern regions of India and reached as far as Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Chandragupta Maurya's conquests and administrative reforms laid the foundation for the empire's prosperity and influence in ancient India.

What was the extent of the mauryan Empire under chandragupta maurya ?