[Solved] Which ruler established the first Empire in India?

The first Empire was established by which ruler in India?

[66th B.P.S.C. Re-Exam (Pre) 2020]

An 'Empire' is distinguished from a Kingdom by its vast territorial extent and centralized administrative control over diverse regions.

Chandragupta Maurya (322–298 BCE) unified most of the Indian subcontinent for the first time in history, ending the rule of the Nandas.

Chandragupta Maurya (A): The founder and first 'Chakravartin' ruler of a subcontinental empire.

Ashoka (B): Expanded the empire, but did not 'establish' it; he inherited it from his father Bindusara.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"How did Chandragupta Maurya defeat the Nandas?"

With the strategic guidance of Chanakya, he raised a rebel army, utilized internal dissent against Dhana Nanda, and captured the capital Pataliputra.

"The establishment of the Mauryan Empire moved India from a collection of warring tribes and states (Mahajanapadas) to a unified political entity."

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