Asoka and the Decline of the Mauryas  (English, Paperback, Thapar)

The Mauryan period is seen as the first sub-continental empire which required administration appropriate to a changing political economy, communication adequate to a sub-continental territory and new ideological attempts to draw support from a multi-cultural population. This book provides a fresh interpretation of the history of early India and the links with later developments. It covers the history of the Mauryas but with a focus on the reign and activities of Asoka.

In a substantial Afterword the author discusses scholarship in this area subsequent to the first publication of the book. An additional map showing sites discovered since 1961, an updated bibliography and index are also included here.