3. The Mauryan Dynasty After 400 B.C., India faced new threats from the west – Persia, Greece, and Macedonia. Alexander the Great invaded northern India in 327 B.C. He left quickly, but his invasion gave rise to the first Indian dynasty.
4. Chandragupta Maurya Chandragupta Maurya - founded a new Indian state. - first Indian Empire - highly centralized government. - empire divided into provinces ruled by governors. King had a large army and secret police.
5. Asoka - empire flourished under Asoka, (grandson of Chandragupta Maurya) - considered greatest Indian ruler ever. - converted to Buddhism and governed according to Buddhist ideals. - kindness was legendary. - set up hospitals for people and animals, ordered shelters for travelers.