Which of the following was not one of the actual cause for the decline of the Mauryan empire?
A
Ashoka's pacifist policies
B
Division of the empire after Ashoka
C
Foreign aggressions particularly Greek
D
Economic and financial crisis
Correct Answer: Ashoka's pacifist policies
The decline of the Maurya Dynasty was rather rapid after the death of Ashoka/Asoka. One obvious reason for it was the succession of weak kings. Another immediate cause was the partition of the Empire into two. Had not the partition taken place, the Greek invasions could have been held back giving a chance to the Mauryas to re-establish some degree of their previous power. Mauryan Empire began to decline after the death of Ashoka in 232 BC. The last king was Brihadratha was assassinated by his general Pushyamitra Shunga who was a Brahmin.