Chandragupta Maurya

The founder of the Mauryan Empire in India. Born 340 BC, ruled 320-293 BC.

Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire was unusual because he was Jain. He was the first emperor of India to be converted to Jainism and was frowned upon by the Hindu priests. When he was older, Chandragupta renounced his throne and joined a wandering group of Jain monks. Chandragupta’s example had no effect on the people, his successor, Emperor Bindusara, was Hindu.

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