Mauryan Empire - 1 | KPSC KAS Preparation: All subjects - KPSC KAS (Karnataka) PDF Download

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Magadha Mahajanapada 
Out of all the kingdoms of north India, Magadha emerge powerful and prosperous. It became the 
nerve center of political activity in north India. The first known ruler of Magadha was Bimbisara 
of the Haryanka dynasty. His son Ajatashatru ascended the throne by killing his father. 
Ajatashatru died in 461 BCE, Magadha had become undisputedly the strongest power. The 
Haryanka dynasty was succeeded by the Shishunaga dynasty. Nandas became the emperors of 
Magadha in 362 BCE. The first Nanda ruler was Mahapadma. Nanda was succeeded by his eight 
sons, and they were together known as the Navanandas or the nine Nandas. Nandas were 
strengthened the Magadha Empire. 
Persian Invasion 
Persian emperor Cyrus (588-530 B.C.) attacked India north-western 
part of India. Darius-I (522-486 B.C.) attacked India and conquered 
Sindh region. Persians remained there till 330 BC. The effects of 
Persian invasion were listed in the table.  
Like Aramaic, Kharosthi was written from right to left. The cultural 
impact was felt most in the Gandhara region. 
 
Greek Invasion 
Alexander, the ruler of Macedonia in Greece came to attack India. 
Dana Nanda’s reign, Alexander invaded north-west India (327–325 
BCE). Alexander’s death created a void in the north-west, facilitating 
the accession of Chandragupta Maurya. Chandragupta Maurya who 
came into power at Magadha in 321 BCE. 
The effects of this Greek invasion are listed here 
 
 
 
  
ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL
 
   
 
MAURYAN EMPIRE
 
 
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Magadha Mahajanapada 
Out of all the kingdoms of north India, Magadha emerge powerful and prosperous. It became the 
nerve center of political activity in north India. The first known ruler of Magadha was Bimbisara 
of the Haryanka dynasty. His son Ajatashatru ascended the throne by killing his father. 
Ajatashatru died in 461 BCE, Magadha had become undisputedly the strongest power. The 
Haryanka dynasty was succeeded by the Shishunaga dynasty. Nandas became the emperors of 
Magadha in 362 BCE. The first Nanda ruler was Mahapadma. Nanda was succeeded by his eight 
sons, and they were together known as the Navanandas or the nine Nandas. Nandas were 
strengthened the Magadha Empire. 
Persian Invasion 
Persian emperor Cyrus (588-530 B.C.) attacked India north-western 
part of India. Darius-I (522-486 B.C.) attacked India and conquered 
Sindh region. Persians remained there till 330 BC. The effects of 
Persian invasion were listed in the table.  
Like Aramaic, Kharosthi was written from right to left. The cultural 
impact was felt most in the Gandhara region. 
 
Greek Invasion 
Alexander, the ruler of Macedonia in Greece came to attack India. 
Dana Nanda’s reign, Alexander invaded north-west India (327–325 
BCE). Alexander’s death created a void in the north-west, facilitating 
the accession of Chandragupta Maurya. Chandragupta Maurya who 
came into power at Magadha in 321 BCE. 
The effects of this Greek invasion are listed here 
 
 
 
  
ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL
 
   
 
MAURYAN EMPIRE
 
 
 
   
 
Rise of Mauryan Empire 
Chandragupta was a youth living in Taxila when Alexander invaded India. Inspired by Alexander, 
Chandragupta led a revolt against the Nandas years later and overthrew them. Chandragupta 
established the Mauryan Empire and became its first emperor in 321 BCE. After the death of 
Alexander, Seleucus had established his kingdom extending up to Punjab. Chandragupta defeated 
him in a battle some time before 301 BCE. Seleucus sent ambassador Megasthenes to Mauryan 
Empire. 
Kautilya (Chanakya) or Vishnugupta was a teacher in Taxila before he became the Chief Minister 
of Chandragupta Maurya of the Maurya Dynasty. He wrote Arthashastra – treatise on political 
strategy and governance. Arthashastra mentions about the seven elements essential for a state. 
They are known as the 'Saptangas' (Seven limbs). Chandragupta Maurya established a rule based 
on the Saptanga concept. Pataliputra was the capital of the Maurya dynasty.