The Maurya Empire also came to be the first unification of political India on a large scale. Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya overthrew many other independent states and republics in northern India. This macro-expansion of the military uprooted various territories into one common imperial set-up under centralized power radiated out of Pataliputra.
An advanced, hierarchical bureaucracy established imperial power in a standardized way. Regions governed under the governors of provinces were directly dependent on the emperor. This government replaced the local government on an active basis. This was done with a strong standing army and security systems within the country that enforced the law and squashed any opposition in the expansive land.
The empire was physically tied together in strategic infrastructure. Large investments were made in the construction of great highways like the Royal Highway which allowed movement of troops and communications between important centers like Taxila and Pataliputra to occur, very fast. Large scale irrigation enhances economic interdependence and agricultural productivity, which is critical to maintain unified rule.
Mauryas had implemented homogeneity systems that were very important in integration. There was superseding of various local practices by a unified legal code laid on Dharmic grounds. Weight and measure; and a system of imperial coinage aided commerce, and an easy government. These activities systematically dismantled regional differences and helped to bring a functional consistency.
Ashoka strengthened the process of uniting by ideology. He promoted Dhamma, a system of ethics which had elements of responsibility to the society and toleration. These theories were imposed by Dhamma Mahamatras and his edicts were posted throughout the empire in local dialects making a common imperial discourse. This was supposed to cut across sectarian and regional boundaries enhancing imperial unity.
Conclusion
The Maurya Empire was able to unite ancient India based on decisive conquest by the military and it shaped centralized administrative control with its center at Pataliputra. Strategic infrastructure linked the territory and standardized legal, economic, and bureaucratic systems were provided instead of local variety. The Dhamma propagated by Ashoka gave a basis of cohesion which was ideological. This integration abolished the disunity of sovereignties in favour of one imperial sovereignty, showing that the ideology of pan-Indian political unity is achievable.
