- Indian, may have known Macedonian conqueror
- drove out remaining Greek forces
- took over capital city Pataliputra
- proclaimed himself ruler in 313 BCE
- Arthasastra detailed book that dealt with theory and practice of government and laws and administration of Mauryan Empire
- ruled 24 years
- Megasthenes wrote detailed accounts of his life
- Chandragupta days divided into 90 minute segments
- Bindusara (slayer of foes), his son, succeeded him in 297 BCE and ruled until 272
(Morality Ruler)
- given major responsibilities as governor in two strategically located provinces in NW
- Buddhist sources tell of a war of succession in which Asoka defeated his inept elder brother and then had all other brothers killed
- firmly in control of largest empire in Indian history between 269-268 BCE
- little known of first eight years of reign
- conquest of Kalinga changed the direction of his government and personal life due to remorse
- he had his laws and pronouncements carved on stone pillars and rock surfaces throughout empire
- convened Third Buddhist Council at Pataliputra around 240 BCE
- died around 232 BCE, sons and grandsons divided up the empire, last king of the main branch of line killed in 185
- Quotes: “All men are my children,” At all times and in all places, whether i am dining or in the ladies apartments, official reporters should keep me informed,” “all sects deserve reverence for one reason or another. By thus acting a man exalts his own sect and at the same time does service to the sects of other people.”