Ashoka and the Maurya Dynasty: The History and Legacy of Ancient India’s Greatest Empire (Dynasties)

'A vivid chronicle of one of the world's most remarkable political formations.' - Mark McClish, Northwestern University 'A readable and comprehensive history of the greatest empire of ancient India.' - John E. McLeod, University of Louisville At its peak in 250 BCE the Maurya Empire was the wealthiest and largest empire in the world, extending across much of modern India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. In this book Colleen Taylor Sen explores the life, achievements and legacy of the Maurya emperor Ashoka, one of the greatest leaders in Indian history. The book relates how, after a bloody war in 261 BCE, Ashoka renounced violence and spent the rest of his life promoting religious tolerance, animal rights, environmental protection, peace and multiculturalism - a policy he called Dhamma. This well-illustrated book explores the legacy and influence of the Mauryas in politics throughout Southeast Asia, China and India, as well as in contemporary popular culture. An illuminating history of the ancient Maurya Empire and its great leader Ashoka, offering insight into the lasting political and cultural legacies of both. At its peak in 250 BCE, the Maurya Empire was the wealthiest and largest empire in the world, extending across much of modern India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. In this book, Colleen Taylor Sen explores the life, achievements, and legacy of the Maurya emperor Ashoka, one of the greatest leaders in Indian history. Sen relates how, after a bloody war in 261 BCE, Ashoka renounced violence and spent the rest of his life promoting religious tolerance, animal rights, environmental protection, peace, and multiculturalisma policy he called Dhamma. This well-illustrated book explores the legacy and influence of the Mauryas in politics throughout Southeast Asia, China, and India, as well as contemporary popular culture. Cover Title Page Copyright Contents Foreword 1. The Rise of Magadha 2. Religious Life 3. The Persians, the Greeks and India 4. The First Mauryas: Bindusara and Chandragupta 5. Ashoka’s Life and Inscriptions 6. Ashoka’s Message of Dhamma 7. Legendary Ashoka: The Buddhist Narratives 8. Mauryan Government and Administration 9. Mauryan Economy and Society 10. The Decline of the Mauryas 11. The Legacy of the Mauryas Appendix: The Discovery of the Mauryas Timeline References Bibliography Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index A comprehensive, well-illustrated account of the emperor Ashoka and the Maurya Dynasty.