ASHOKA; THE EMPEROR WHO GAVE UP WAR 1. RISE OF MAURYAN EMPIRE The Mauryan empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya. The last of Nanda rulers, Dhana Nanda was highly unpopular due to his oppressive policy. Chandragupta, with the help of an intelligent and politically astute brahmin, Kautilya usurped the throne by defeating Dhana Nanda in 321 BC. Chandragupta occupied Pataliputra in 322 BC with the help of Chanakya. Under Chandragupta for the first time, the whole of northern India was united. Fig 1. Mauryan Empire 2. THE GREAT RULER; ASHOKA According to the Buddhist texts it appears that there was a struggle for throne among the princess on the death of Bindusara. Ashoka usurped the throne after killing his 99 brothers. The war of succession accounts for four years. Ashoka had himself formally crowned in 269 BC. Under Asoka the Mauryan empire reaching its climax. For the first time the wh...