Who founded the Mauryan Empire, the first state to unify most of the Indian subcontinent?

The Mauryan Empire, recognized as the first state to unify a significant portion of the Indian subcontinent, was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in the 4th century BCE. His ascent to power marked a crucial moment in Indian history as he established a centralized administration and laid the groundwork for one of the largest empires in ancient India. Chandragupta’s strategies included military conquests and diplomatic alliances, which facilitated the unification of diverse regions and cultures under a single political framework.

While Ashoka the Great, who is often associated with the Mauryan Empire, did contribute greatly to its expansion and consolidation, particularly through the promotion of Buddhism and non-violence, he came to power after the empire was already established by his grandfather, Chandragupta. The other figures listed, Harsha Vardhana and Cyrus the Great, played significant roles in their respective regions—Harsha in North India and Cyrus in Persia—but they were not involved in the founding of the Mauryan Empire.