Foreign Invasions :

• King Cyrus of Iran established a vast empire in the sixth century BC. This empire extended Northwest India, Rome, and Egypt in Africa.
• Emperor Daryush had expanded all the way up to Punjab. During his reign, political relations with India were established, leading to trade and cultural exchanges. During his reign, Persepolis, the capital city, was built.

The Greek Emperor Alexander’s invasion

• In 326 BC, Alexander, the Greek emperor, invaded India's northwest frontier and reached Takshashila. He overcame the Indian rulers' opposition and arrived in Punjab.
• During this invasion, Alexander's army encountered numerous difficulties. The army's rebellion forced Alexander to retreat.
• He appointed Satraps to administer the conquered lands.
• He died on his way back in 323 BC in Babylon.
• Following Alexander's death, Seleucus Nicator became the king of Babylon.

Relations between India and Greece :

• India and Greece's trade and communication increased.
• Greek sculpture had an impact on Indian sculpture, paving the way for the 'Gandhara' school of art.
• Indian kings began minting Greek-style coins as well.

The Maurya Empire :

Chandragupta Maurya :

• Around 325 BC, Chandragupta Maurya ended Dhananand's tyrannical rule and established the Maurya rule in Magadha. He ruled over Avanti and Saurashtra.
• He defeated the Greek king of Babylon, Seleucus Nicator, and annexed Kabul, Herat, and Kandahar.
• Seleucus Nicator sent his ambassador Megasthenes to the court of Chandragupta.
• Bindusara, his son, succeeded him. Around 273 BC, Bindusara was succeeded by his son Ashoka.

Emperor Ashoka :

• Prior to becoming king, Ashoka was Governor of Takshashila and Ujjain. He'd put down a rebellion in Takshashila.
• He led an invasion of Kalinga and annexed it to his empire.
• His empire extended north-west to Kabul, south to Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, east to the Bay of Bengal, and west to Saurashtra.

The Kalinga War :

• Ashoka was deeply moved by the bloodshed of the Kalinga war. He decided never to wage a war again.
• He came to believe that truth, non-violence, compassion and forgiveness were the important values.

Public welfare activities :

• Emperor Ashoka was concerned with the well-being of the people.
• He provided free medicine and medical treatment for both humans and animals.
• He built roads on both sides and planted trees. He constructed dharmashalas and dug wells for the benefit of travellers.

Administration during the Maurya period :

• The empire was divided into four administrative divisions.
• A Mantri-Parishad or the council of ministers, advised the king.
• The administration was conducted with the help of officials and an efficient intelligence service.

Life of the people during the Maurya period :

• Life of the people depended on agriculture.
• Business and other occupations thrived. Large-scale industries included glazed pottery production and shipbuilding.
• There were numerous functions and festivals.
• Wrestling matches and chariot races, board games and chess — Ashtapad was a popular form of entertainment.

Art and Literature :

• During Emperor Ashoka's reign, the art of rock cut sculpture was promoted.
• During his reign, Ashoka built pillars, stupas, and viharas.
• The dharma-chakra or wheel on the Ashoka pillar at Sarnath has been adopted as the central symbol of India's flag. Our national symbol is the Lion Capital on the Ashoka pillar in Sarnath.
• The cave temple at Barabar in Bihar is India's oldest cave architecture.