Mauryan Empire Worksheet Packet (40+ Assignments)

The Mauryan Empire Worksheet Packet is a student-friendly learning resource designed to help middle school readers explore one of ancient India’s most powerful empires. This workbook includes clear articles and guided questions that explain the empire’s geography, government, culture, daily life, religion, social classes, food, education, and technology. Students also learn about clothing, trade, warfare, literature, and the roles of men and women in Mauryan society. The workbook follows the empire’s history from the Nanda Dynasty through the rise of Chandragupta Maurya, his alliance with Chanakya, and his victories and reforms. It covers key rulers such as Bindusara and Ashoka, including the Kalinga War, Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism, and his policies of peace and moral law. The workbook concludes with the empire’s decline, its fall, and its lasting legacy in South Asian history.

Assignments Included:

Overview
Geography
Government
Culture
Daily Life
Religion
Social Classes
Food & Agriculture
Education
Arts & Entertainment
Clothing
Technology & Science
Trade & Commerce
Military & Warfare
Literature
Men’s Roles
Women’s Roles
Nanda Dynasty
Chandragupta Maurya overthrows the Nanda Dynasty
Alliance between Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya to build the empire
War between Chandragupta Maurya and Seleucus I Nicator (c. 305 BCE)
Peace treaty between Chandragupta Maurya and the Seleucid Empire
Chandragupta Maurya unifies northern India
Chandragupta Maurya abdicates and becomes a Jain monk
Bindusara becomes emperor (c. 297 BCE)
Expansion of the empire into central and southern India under Bindusara
Diplomatic relations with Greek kingdoms during Bindusara’s reign
Death of Bindusara and succession struggle
Ashoka becomes emperor (c. 268 BCE)
Early military campaigns of Ashoka
The Kalinga War (c. 261 BCE)
Massive destruction and loss of life in the Kalinga War
Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism
Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma (moral law and peace)
Construction of pillars and rock edicts across the empire
Spread of Buddhism across India and Asia
Building of roads, hospitals, and rest houses
Mauryan Empire reaches its greatest size under Ashoka
Death of Ashoka (c. 232 BCE)
Weak rulers after Ashoka
Decline of Mauryan authority
Assassination of Brihadratha, the last Mauryan emperor (185 BCE)
End of the Mauryan Empire and rise of the Shunga Dynasty
Legacy