Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:

"The Mauryas came to prominence after the overthrow of the Nanda dynasty in the later part of the fourth century BCE. The history of their rule can be reconstructed with fairly authentic evidences from many sources."

(Source: https://www.du.ac.in/uploads/new-web/04012023_Appendix-108.pdf)

(a) How did Alexander's departure from India influence Chandragupta Maurya's rise to power?

(b) Why was the Nanda dynasty unpopular among its people?

(c) How did Bindusara contribute to the expansion of the Mauryan Empire?

(a) Alexander's departure from India created a power vacuum in the northwestern region of the subcontinent. Chandragupta Maurya upon the guidance of Kautilya, took advantage of the weak Greek rule by Governors, and took control of the northwestern territories.

(b) Nanda dynasty was unpopular among its people as the Nanda rulers were known for imposing heavy taxation, which caused resentment among the people.

(c) Bindusara contributed to the expansion of the Mauryan Empire in the following ways:

1. Bindusara with extending the Mauryan Empire in the south, except the extreme south.
2. Bindusara maintained friendly relations with the Greeks and exchanged ambassadors with Antiochus, the successor of Seleucus.
3. He, along with his son Ashoka quelled a revolt in Taxila.