One of the world's largest empires in the Indian subcontinent.
322 B.C.E. - P - Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya, a Brahmin teacher, decide to destroy the Nanda Dynasty in leading a campaign against the rulers. They spark a civil war, eventually forcing Mahapadma Nanda into banishment and Chandragupta Maurya seizes the Nanda Empire. The Nanda's prime minister transfers power to Chandragupta, thereby beginning the Maurya Dynasty.
305 B.C.E. - P - The Macedonians, under Seleucus I Nicator, attempt to expand their empire into India. Chandragupta defeats them and defeats Seleucus. Chandragupta claims a large swath of their territory and expanding his empire westward.
300 B.C.E. - P - Led by Chandragupta's son, Bindusara, the Maurya Empire expanded east into the Deccan Plateau.
298 B.C.E. - P - At just 22 years old, Bindusara inherits the throne rules over the Maurya Empire. He expands the empire southward, conquering sixteen states and nearly all of the Indian Peninsula.
273 B.C.E - P - Ashoka, Bindusara's son, inherits the throne following the death of his father. He proves himself to be a brilliant military commander and quickly crushes multiple rebellions against his rule.
262 B.C.E. - P - Ashoka goes on to defeat the Kalinga Kingdom. Although successful, over 100,000 soldiers and civilians are killed in the conquest, including many of Ashoka's own forces. Asoka personally witnesses the consequences of his aggression and decides to renounce war. He converts to Buddhism and sends missionaries to spread Buddhism throughout Asia.
260 B.C.E. - P - The Edicts of Ashoka are spread throughout the empire. They outline the moral teachings of the emperor, including outlawing slavery, equal punishment under the law, and the fair treatment of animals.
250 B.C.E. - C - Asoka builds the Lion Capital of Asoka, a sculpture of four Indian lions back to back, at the important Buddhist site of Sarnath. This eventually becomes the symbolic representation of India.
232 B.C.E. - P - Due to a misunderstanding, Ashoka disinherits and blinds his original heir, his son, Kunala. Ashoka eventually realizes the manipulation and has Kunala restored to court. However, upon his death, rule instead passes to Kunala's grandson, Dasaratha Maurya. Under Dasaratha's rule, much of Ashoka's territory is lost.
224 B.C.E. - P - Samprati inherits the throne from his brother Dasaratha. He is known for spreading Jainism and sponsoring Jain Scholars.
215 B.C.E - P - Shalishuka succeeds Samprati and is known as a quarrelsome, unrighteous ruler.
202 B.C.E. - P - Devavarman succeeds Shalishuka and becomes the ruler.
195 B.C.E. - P - Satadhanvan succeeds Devavarman. The empire continues to lose territory to outside invaders.
187 B.C.E. - P - Brihadratha Maurya comes to power in the Maurya. By this point the empire's territory has greatly been reduced. He is still loyal to Buddhism.
185 B.C.E - P - During a military parade, Brihadratha is assassinated by the commander-in-chief of his guard, a Brahmin general. The general takes over the throne and starts the Sunga Dynasty. Under his leadership, he brings about a wave of religious persecution against Buddhists and a resurgence of Hinduism. This marks the end of the Maurya Empire.