The Maurya Empire originated in the 4th century BCE when Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the Nanda Dynasty and established the Maurya Dynasty. Chandragupta Maurya was a powerful ruler who expanded the empire to include much of the Indian subcontinent. He was succeeded by his son Bindusara, who further expanded the empire. The Maurya Empire reached its peak under the rule of Ashoka the Great, who was a great patron of Buddhism and is credited with spreading the religion throughout India.
