WI: Chandragupta Maurya Assassinated?

This has been a scenario on my mind a lot recently (and some may be able to infer why :p ). What happens if Chandragupta Maurya is assassinated in:

323 BCE, after initially being rebuffed by Nanda forces

322-320 BCE, after conquering the Nanda Empire

317 BCE: During his conquest of the Macedonian satrapies
 
There still might be a great empire if Chanakya can find a worthy successor. But either way, the butterflies could be enough to cripple Buddhism; without the Mauryan support its missionaries might not be as successful.
 
There still might be a great empire if Chanakya can find a worthy successor. But either way, the butterflies could be enough to cripple Buddhism; without the Mauryan support its missionaries might not be as successful.

What if a worthy successor is not found and the empire falls apart?
 
Can you give a brief description of the state of affairs at the time of each scenario. That may help as some of us know little about this period
 
Can you give a brief description of the state of affairs at the time of each scenario. That may help as some of us know little about this period

FIrst Scenario: Chandrapupta was in the early stages of his war with the Nanda. Nanda forces had initially defeated his attacks. He would later go on to crush them, but at this point he seems vulnerable.

Second Scenario: The Nanda Empire is conquered, Chandragupta now has a massive base to draw on, and is in the process of attacking and taking over the Macedonian satrapies in India.


Third Scenario: Chandragupta is mopping up what remains of resistance in the now conquered former Macedonian satrapies. Soon he will try to invade further, coming into contact with Seleucus and eventually reaching a diplomatic settlement. More or less what he controlled was thus:

guptas1.gif
 
What if a worthy successor is not found and the empire falls apart?
I'm not versed enough in Indian history, especially the post-Mauryan period, to give an accurate guess as to what would occur politically. Religiously, it's going to be a wildcard. Buddhism could end up another Jainism-style cult or fade away like Ajivika, or maybe it would rise anyways.
 
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