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Mauryan Empire Rulers built one of ancient India’s largest empires (322–185 BCE). Founded by Chandragupta Maurya with guidance from Chanakya, it reached its height under Ashoka the Great, who spread Buddhism. Mauryan Empire Rulers promoted unity, governance, trade, and religious harmony.
Mauryan Empire was one of the biggest and most powerful empires in ancient India. It started around 321 BCE when Chandragupta Maurya became the first ruler. With the help of his teacher and advisor Chanakya (Kautilya), he built a strong government and army. The Mauryan Empire brought many small kingdoms of India together under one rule.
Over the years, many rulers from the Maurya family ruled the empire. Each of them worked in their own way to make the empire stronger. Some focused on expanding it, while others worked for peace and religion. The most famous ruler, Ashoka the Great, spread messages of kindness and non-violence after the Kalinga War.
The Mauryan Empire lasted for more than 130 years and changed Indian history with its strong rule, trade, and religious harmony.
Mauryan Empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient India. It was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE and lasted until 185 BCE. The empire is known for its strong administration, vast territory, and promotion of Buddhism under Ashoka the Great.
| Mauryan Empire Rulers Overview | |
| Feature | Details |
| Period | 322 BCE – 185 BCE |
| Capital | Pataliputra (modern-day Patna, Bihar) |
| Religion | Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Ajivika (varied among rulers) |
| Founder | Chandragupta Maurya |
| Last Ruler | Brihadratha Maurya |
| Total Rulers | Nine |
| Powerful Ruler | Ashoka the Great |
| Major Contributions | Political unity of India, the spread of Buddhism, strong administration, and the development of art and architecture |
first ruler of Maurya dynasty was Chandragupta Maurya. He founded the empire in 321 BCE with the guidance of his advisor Chanakya (Kautilya). Chandragupta ended the rule of the Nanda Empire and brought unity to most parts of India.
He later accepted Jainism and spent his last years in Karnataka. The first ruler of Maurya dynasty is remembered for strong administration and for laying the base of the empire that lasted for more than 130 years.
Below, we’ve mentioned the Mauryan Empire Rulers List that includes all emperors from Chandragupta Maurya to Brihadratha Maurya. Each ruler played an important part in shaping the history and expansion of the Mauryan Empire.
| Mauryan Empire Rulers List | ||
| Ruler | Reign (BCE) | Notes / Main Contribution |
| Chandragupta Maurya (𑀙𑀦𑁆𑀤𑁆𑀭𑀕𑀼𑀧𑁆𑀢𑀸 𑀫𑀸𑀉𑀭𑁆𑀬𑀸)
|
322–297 | Founder of the Maurya Empire. Established centralized rule with guidance from Chanakya (Kautilya). |
| Bindusara (𑀩𑀺𑀦𑁆𑀤𑀼𑀲𑀸𑀭𑀸)
|
297–273 | Maintained stability across the empire; known for foreign diplomacy and suppression of the Vidarbha revolt. |
| Ashoka (𑀅𑀰𑁄𑀓𑀸)
|
273–232 | Remembered for the Kalinga War and the spread of Buddhism, he issued edicts carved on stone pillars. |
| Dasharatha Maurya (𑀤𑀰𑀭𑀣 𑀫𑀸𑀉𑀭𑁆𑀬𑀸) | 232–224 | Grandson of Ashoka; continued his policies of governance and welfare. |
| Samprati Maurya (𑀲𑀫𑁆𑀧𑁆𑀭𑀢)
|
224–215 | Brother of Dasharatha; encouraged Jainism and continued administration reforms. |
| Shalishuka Maurya (𑀰𑀸𑀮𑀻𑀰𑀼𑀓𑀸) | 215–202 | Mentioned in the Yuga Purana, the rule is marked by internal challenges. |
| Devavarman Maurya (𑀤𑁂𑀯𑀯𑀭𑁆𑀫𑀦𑁆) | 202–195 | Short reign of seven years; faced revolts and loss of control over distant provinces. |
| Shatadhanvan Maurya (𑀰𑀢𑀥𑀦𑁆𑀯𑀦𑁆) | 195–187 | The Empire declined in size and strength during his rule. |
| Brihadratha Maurya (𑀩𑁆𑀭𑀺𑀳𑀤𑁆𑀭𑀣𑀸) | 187–184 | Last ruler of the Maurya dynasty; assassinated by his general Pushyamitra Shunga, who founded the Shunga Empire. |
Powerful ruler of Maurya dynasty helped in expanding and strengthening the empire. Among them, Chandragupta, Bindusara, and Ashoka were the most significant. Each powerful ruler of Maurya dynasty contributed differently to politics, religion, and administration.
| Powerful Rulers of Maurya Dynasty and their Contribution | ||
| Ruler | Contributions | Significance |
| Chandragupta Maurya (321–297 BCE) | • Founded the Mauryan Empire.
• Established centralized administration with provinces and districts. • Maintained a strong army and spy network. • Worked with Chanakya to frame political and economic policies. |
• Unified a large part of India under one rule.
• Laid the foundation for efficient governance. • Introduced organized administration and taxation systems. |
| Bindusara (297–273 BCE) | • Continued expansion of the empire toward southern India.
• Maintained internal peace and stability. • Encouraged trade, agriculture, and economic development. • Preserved his father’s administrative setup. |
• Strengthened and stabilized the Mauryan Empire.
• Ensured smooth governance and unity. • Served as a link between Chandragupta’s expansion and Ashoka’s reforms. |
| Ashoka the Great (273–232 BCE) | • Expanded the empire initially through wars (notably the Kalinga War).
• Adopted Buddhism and promoted peace and non-violence. • Issued edicts promoting moral and ethical governance. • Built roads, hospitals, and welfare facilities. • Spread Buddhism across Asia. |
• Transformed the empire into a moral and welfare state.
• Promoted religious tolerance and compassion. • Made Buddhism a global religion. • Remembered as a model ruler combining power with humanity. |
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Religion played an important role in the lives of the Mauryan Empire Rulers. Different rulers followed different beliefs. Some accepted Jainism, while others supported Buddhism or Ajivika philosophy. This diversity shows that the maurya dynasty rulers religion wise promoted tolerance and harmony.
| Mauryan Dynasty Rulers Religion-wise | |
| Ruler | Religion Followed |
| Chandragupta Maurya | Jainism |
| Bindusara | Ajivika |
| Ashoka | Buddhism |
| Dasharatha Maurya | Buddhism |
| Samprati Maurya | Jainism |
| Shalishuka | Hinduism (as per some texts) |
| Devavarman | Hinduism |
| Shatadhanvan | Hinduism |
| Brihadratha | Hinduism |
Last ruler of Mauryan dynasty was Brihadratha Maurya. He ruled from 187 BCE to 185 BCE. His reign saw the decline of central power and rise of regional kingdoms. The last ruler of Mauryan dynasty was later killed by his general Pushyamitra Shunga, who started the Shunga Dynasty.
This marked the end of the rule of the Mauryan Empire Rulers and the beginning of a new period in Indian history.
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Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire in 322 BCE with the help of Chanakya.
Brihadratha Maurya was the last ruler. He was killed by Pushyamitra Shunga.
Ashoka the Great was the most famous king. He promoted Buddhism and peace.
The Mauryan Empire lasted from 322 BCE to 185 BCE.
Pataliputra (modern Patna) was the capital of the Mauryan Empire.
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