Focus Question 5:
What were the reasons for the decline of this empire?
When Asoka died in 232 B.C., the empire started to fall apart:
- In Northern and Central India, many kingdoms which were once loosely part of the Mauryan Empire got their independence and were ruled by regional kings.
- In Central India, The Andhra Dynasty dominated for a few centuries and took advantage of the many trade routes already established.
- In Northern India, Greeks, Persians, and Central Asians invaded, pouring in and disrupting Indian society, while adding diversity.
- In Southern India, Tamils, who lived in three separate kingdoms, were at constant war with each other and others.