Question

How did Asoka unify the Mauryan Empire?

Answer 1

Hint: Ashoka The Great is the greatest monarch in Indian history. Ashoka was the Mauryan dynasty's third emperor and one of ancient India's most powerful rulers. His reign, which lasted from 273 BC to 232 BC, was one of the most prosperous times in Indian history.

Complete answer:
Maurya Empire -
The Maurya Empire was a South Asian Iron Age historical force centred in Magadha, established by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE and lasting until 185 BCE in a loose-knit fashion. The conquest of the Indo-Gangetic Plain centred the Maurya Empire, and Pataliputra served as its capital city (modern Patna).

The Mauryan dynasty’ founder -
The Mauryan dynasty was established by Chandragupta Maurya. Chandragupta (or Chandragupta Maurya) invaded the Punjab region from the southeastern edges of Alexander the Great's former empire after his death in 323 BCE.

Ashoka –
The Mauryan Empire's third ruler, Ashoka the Great (r. 268-232 BCE), is best known for his renunciation of war, development of the philosophy of dhamma (virtuous social conduct), and promotion of Buddhism, as well as his successful reign of a nearly pan-Indian political body. The Mauryan Empire, at its peak under Ashoka, spanned almost the entire Indian subcontinent, stretching from modern-day Iran to modern-day Pakistan.

Ashoka unify the Mauryan Empire -
i) The state's sponsorship of Buddhism and his Rock and Pillar Edicts are two of Ashoka's most well-known achievements (which go hand in hand).
ii) He spread the message of nonviolence in his kingdom by issuing Edicts. Ashoka was moved to commit to a life of peace and nonviolence after serving in the military and witnessing violence firsthand.
iii) Ashoka's edicts had been carved into walls and pillars throughout the empire. These edicts promoted the values of Buddhists, general welfare, justice and security. The spread of Buddhism in Asia was Ashoka's most enduring legacy.
iv) He brought almost the entire country of India under one religion: Buddhism. He was also tolerant of other religions and encouraged them to flourish.


Note:
-The conquest of Kalinga for Ashoka was a turning point because he was horrified by the people killed in Kalinga. Ashoka agreed to stop fighting and make Buddhism the Mauryan empire's official religion. In his kingdom, he followed the Dhamma (rules).

-Pushyamitra Shunga finally destroyed the Maurya empire in 185 BC. Although he was a brahmana, he was a general of the last Maurya ruler named Brihadratha. It is said that he killed Brihadratha in public and forcibly usurped the throne of Pataliputra. The Shungas ruled Pataliputra and central India.