Chandragupta Maurya, << `chuhn` druh GUP tuh MAH oor yuh >> (?-298? B.C.), founded the Mauryan Empire and ruled in what is now northern India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and part of Afghanistan from about 324 to 298 B.C. He probably gained power in western India while fighting against Alexander the Great, the king of Macedonia. Chandragupta then conquered Magadha, which was a kingdom in the fertile Ganges River Valley. He used the kingdom’s mineral and agricultural resources to expand his empire.
Chandragupta taxed India’s growing commerce, including trade with Greece and Persia, to build a powerful army and effective administration. He provided great economic benefits for his people by improving irrigation canals and roads. He used spies and informers to ensure obedience to his will. According to Jain tradition, Chandragupta gave up the throne and spent the rest of his life following Jainism, an Indian religion that holds all life sacred.
