Chandragupta Maurya (Sanskrit: Candragupta Maurya, 340 BCE – 298 BCE) was the founder of the Maurya Empire and the first emperor to unify most of Greater India into one state. He ruled from 322 BCE until his voluntary retirement and abdication in favour of his son, Bindusara, in 298 BCE.Chandragupta Maurya was a pivotal figure in the history of India.