263 Asoka “the Buddhist Constantine,” son of Vindusara, succeeds to the throne of Magadha.
256-254 Treaty with Antiochus Theos. From being a cruel man Asoka is converted to Buddhism. Builds monasteries and many splendid edifices for the new faith. Associates Buddhist priests with him in the government. Professed by the king and his family, Buddhism now spreads rapidly throughout India.
Ceylon under King Devanampriya-Tishya (245-205) is also converted.
The kingdom of Magadha is extended over Surashtra (Guzerat), Orissa, Kalinga, and in the south beyond the Godavari.
The monumental history of India begins.
226 Subhagasena succeeds his father, Asoka. In his reign or that of his father the columns of Bharhut, Sanchi, and Buddha Gaya were erected.
180 Eucratides, king of Bactria, conquers the Indus as far as Patala.
GRÆCO-BACTRIAN DOMINION IN THE INDUS REGION
178 Fall of the dynasty of Maurya.
The Sungas ascend the throne.