What are some of the best books on the ancient Mauryan empire?

The Mauryan Empire is one of the most fascinating empires in India. As a geographical entity (as we know of India today), India has been united just thrice: the first time under the Mauryan Empire, the second during the Mughals and the third during the British times. read more

Some of the other books that a scholar could read to get a general insight into the life and times during the Mauryan Empire could be the Arthashastra by R. Shamasastry, which is a treatise by Chanakya outlining economic policies. This version of the Arthashastra is available online. read more

The Maurya Empire: The History and Legacy of Ancient India’s Greatest Empire looks at one of antiquity’s most interesting empires. Along with pictures depicting important people, places, and events, you will learn about the Mauryans like never before. read more

Border states had started asserting their independence right after Ashoka's death. The empire started shrinking under Ashoka's successors. By the time Pushyamitra seized the throne, the mighty Mauryan Empire was a fraction of its size, reduced to only the three city-states of Pataliputra, Ayodhya, and Vidisha, and some parts of the Punjab. read more