The Mauryan Empire was the first pan-Indian empire, covering most of the Indian region and parts of modern-day Iran.
It formed around 321 B.C.E. and ended in 185 B.C.E.
Chandragupta Maurya was the first leader who consolidated land by overthrowing the Nanda power in Magadha.
Chandragupta took additional lands through force and alliances.
Chandragupta's chief minister Kautilya advised him and wrote the Arthashastra, a treatise about leadership and government.
The Arthashastra describes how a state should organize its economy and maintain power.
Chandragupta's government closely resembled the government described in the Arthashastra.
The Arthashastra focused on spies and recommended the king have large networks of informants.
The focus on deception reveals a pragmatic, and borderline cynical, view of human nature.
The Mauryan Empire spanned across central and northern India.

"Test your knowledge of the Mauryan Empire, the first pan-Indian empire that spanned across central and northern India. Learn about Chandragupta Maurya, the first leader who consolidated land, and his chief minister Kautilya, who wrote the Arthashastra - a treatise about leadership and government. Discover how the Mauryan government closely resembled the government described in the Arthashastra, which focused on spies and maintaining power. Take this quiz to explore the