Explanation: The Mauryan Empire, one of the most significant empires in ancient India, was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in the 4th century BCE. The empire was initially established through Chandragupta's military conquests and strategic alliances, which laid the foundation for a powerful and centralized state. However, it was under the rule of Ashoka, Chandragupta's grandson, that the Mauryan Empire reached its zenith.
Ashoka, who ascended to the throne in 269 BCE, is renowned for his military prowess and his subsequent transformation into a promoter of peace and non-violence. His reign is marked by the Kalinga War, a brutal conflict that led to a profound change in his approach to governance. After witnessing the horrors of war, Ashoka embraced Buddhism and dedicated himself to the promotion of dharma, a set of ethical and moral principles that emphasized non-violence, tolerance, and compassion.
Ashoka's rule was characterized by significant territorial expansion, with the empire stretching from present-day Afghanistan in the west to Bengal in the east, and from Kashmir in the north to the Deccan Plateau in the south. He established a centralized administration, with a well-organized bureaucracy and a network of spies to maintain control over the vast empire. Ashoka also promoted cultural and religious tolerance, and his edicts, inscribed on pillars and rocks throughout the empire, provide valuable insights into his policies and the social conditions of the time.
The Mauryan Empire under Ashoka was not only a political and military superpower but also a cultural and intellectual center. Ashoka's patronage of Buddhism led to the spread of the religion across the Indian subcontinent and beyond, influencing the development of art, architecture, and literature. His reign is often considered the golden age of the Mauryan Empire, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in Indian history and culture.
In contrast, Chandragupta Maurya, while crucial for establishing the empire, did not achieve the same level of territorial expansion and cultural influence as Ashoka. Chandra Gupta II, on the other hand, was a ruler of the Gupta Empire, which came after the Mauryan Empire and is known for its own cultural and intellectual achievements, but is not associated with the Mauryan Empire's peak.
Therefore, the correct answer is (C) Ashoka, as he was the ruler under whose reign the Mauryan Empire reached its height in terms of territorial extent, cultural influence, and administrative efficiency.