Mauryan
Empire
Under two
rulers:
Chandragupta
&
Asoka
Chandragupta Maurya
How power was
gained an
Empire
expanded?

How power was
maintained?




Achievements
accomplished?



What became of 
the Empire

upon death?
Asoka Maurya
Born in a power kingdom on the lower 
Ganges
Gathered an army, killed the ruling

king, claimed the throne and began the
Mauryan Empire
After his father ruled for a short time, he
assumed the throne in 268 B.C
Fought a long bloody war to conquer the
Deccan region. Horrified by the slaughter:
100,000 dead, he made no further
conquests
Created a highly bureaucratic
(organized) government
Divided empire into 4, each headed by
a royal prince
Ruled harshly: always had a guard of
armed women surrounding him who
killed anyone who came inside their
lines.

Built the largest city in the world at the
time.
Palace contained gold-pillars,
fountains, and thrones.
Capital city featured parks and markets





Built roads to visit all corners of his empire.
Built rest houses for travelers.
Built hospitals
Sent missionaries across India and
surrounding areas to spread Buddhism.
supported religious tolerance.
Voluntarily gave up his throne
Grandson, Asoka, took power.

Empire began to break up after his death.


After being horrified by the bloody battles of
the war over the Deccan region, he
converted to Buddhism.
rejected violence, ruled peacefully by moral
example
Promised to treat his subjects fairly and
humanely.
Asoka’s Rock and Pillar Edicts
“This edict has been written for the
following purpose: that the judicial
officers of the city may strive to do
their duty and that the people under
them might not suffer unjust
imprisonment or harsh treatment.
To achieve this, I will send out
Mahamatras every five years who
are not harsh or cruel, but who are
merciful and who can ascertain if
the judicial officers have
understood my purpose and are
acting according to my
instructions.”
Asoka’s Pillar
Edict
Hammurabi's
Code
They are similar in that both sets of laws were made
public for all to see. How did the laws differ?