The problem with Ashoka is that we don't know that much about him. And there are estimates that his empire was crumbling while he was still emperor!
I certainly think a larger core area is possible to maintain as a united state ( and arguably has what with the Mauryas, Guptas, Harsha, Mamluks etc.) but not the whole of India. This would be more similar to China's core vs its periphery.
I certainly think a larger core area is possible to maintain as a united state ( and arguably has what with the Mauryas, Guptas, Harsha, Mamluks etc.) but not the whole of India. This would be more similar to China's core vs its periphery.