WI: No Maurya Empire

[Night Gaul]

What if the Maurya Empire was never founded? How might things change?

 

[Rdffigueira]

I usually wouldn't dare answering this question, considering I don't know a lot about Indian history, but it is curious that today I saw a great video-documentary about Ashoka the Great (in Kings and Generals channel), and one thing I can say is that the absence of the Mauryans might have prevented (or at least) delayed the spread of Buddhism in eastern Asia as it did, something that, by itself, brings HUGE butterflies.

Also, without Chandragupta, it is very possible that the Seleucids linger in northwestern India a bit longer, and the continued presence of Hellenistic influence in the region.

 

[Kaushlendra pratap singh]

more powerful Indian state Madhgha empire, will slowly - slowly will engulf all central India and north India and vassalage south Indian king for its maritime trade with the roman empire. unlike the Maurya empire which made upon on clever political manoeuvre by Chanakya, it will be made on the force of hand and army. the stabilise central government in present in northeast India will protect that empire from west invasion and central India will be the backbone of that empire to repel any invader and further launching any attack on the west

 

[Anawrahta]

What if the Maurya Empire was never founded? How might things change?

This is pretty vague but intriguing question.
If status quo is maintained You have the Nanda empire ruling the region and greek satraps in the northwest. The Asmaka kingdom in Maharashtra survives and the tamils and Tamraparni(sri lanka) remain politically isolated from the north.
The Nandas could fragment or an analogue to mauryans might develop. Perhaps the a greek satraps invades a declining nanda empire. The Nandas might form an eternal empire like rome or China or persia.
One thing for sure is that the schisms in early buddhism take a drastically different turn. Ajivika, Jainism, Lokayatas, etc... evolve very differently. This may become a Ajivika or Jain wank. Lokayata ideas may synthesize with Greek Materialism. Buddhism is likely unrecognizable.
The Puranic hinduism is butterflied or takes a very different turn. Assuming butterflies, the Srauta traditions of Vedic Hinduism may acquire a massive boost and develop into monotheistic "hinduism". Basically hinduism develops along the lines of zoroastrianism or judaism.
I could go on and on and there many possibilities not mentioned here. I do not know the most likely outcome of such a situation.