With reference to Mauryan Empire, answer the following questions:

(a) Give a brief account of how Chandragupta established the Mauryan Empire.

(b) Give a brief account of Ashoka's change of heart and consequences of the same.

(c) Name four important ways in which Buddhism spread under the royal patronage during the Mauryan times.

(a) Chandragupta Maurya worked with Nandas, who ruled before him. He was dismissed from the services by Nandas. He then met Kautilya, son of a brahmin, at Takshilla (Kautilya later became famous as Chanakya). Kautilya too was wronged by the Nandas. They joined hands with each other to destroy Nandas. After a long series of Battles, Chandragupta Maurya defeated Nandas and established the Mauryan Empire. Chandragupta Maurya took over the territories conquered by Alexander in the North-Western part of India after Alexander's death. Later on he defeated Seleucus and got Kabul, Kandahar, Herat and Baluchistan from him. His empire extended from Kabul and Kandahar in the North-West to Mysore in the south; and from Bengal in the east to Saurashtra in the west.

(b) The death and destruction caused by the Kalinga war had a profound effect on the policies and personality of Ashoka.

Ashoka's Change of Heart and Its Consequences —

1. He abandoned the policy of 'conquest by force' (bherigosha) and ambition of 'victory in all directions' (Digvijay) and embraced the policy of religion (Dhammagosha).
2. Ashoka stopped hunting and eating meat and abandoned the life of luxury.
3. The prisoners of war were used for agricultural work. It resulted in an increase in production and brought about economic prosperity in his empire.
4. Ashoka, after the Kalinga war, embraced Buddhism and followed the Buddhist principles in his state policy like non-violence and disapproval of empty rituals. He also sent various missionaries to various parts of the world to propagate Buddhism.
5. On account of abandonment of war, there was a decline in military preparedness and efficiency.

(c) Four important ways in which Buddhism spread under the royal patronage during the Mauryan times were:

1. Huge donations were given by Mauryan kings to Buddhist Viharas.
2. Ashoka got erected several pillars and edicts to spread the teachings of Buddhism. These pillars had Buddhist teachings engraved on them. Ashoka ordered for construction of 84,000 Stupas to keep the relics of Buddha.
3. Ashoka himself went on tours to preach Buddhism to people. He also sent missionaries to various parts of the world.
4. Ashoka sent his daughter, Sanghamitra and son, Mahindra to Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhism.