Who was the founder of the Maurya Empire?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: The Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire in ancient India around 321 BCE.
He overthrew the Nanda dynasty with the guidance of his mentor Chanakya (Kautilya)
Established one of the largest empires in ancient Indian history
Unified much of the Indian subcontinent under centralized rule
Additional Key Points:
Maurya Empire existed from 321 BCE to 185 BCE
Capital cities: Pataliputra (modern Patna)
Key sources: Arthashastra (Chanakya) and Indica (Megasthenes)
Ashoka’s reign marked the peak of Maurya Empire
Ashoka adopted Buddhism after the Kalinga War
Potential Exam-Oriented Questions & Answers:
Question: What was the capital of Maurya Empire?
Answer: Pataliputra
Question: Which war led Ashoka to adopt Buddhism?
Answer: Kalinga War