The foundation of the Mauryan empire was laid by ______.

The correct answer is Option 2- Chandragupta Maurya

The foundation of the Mauryan empire was laid by Chandragupta Maurya. He was a brilliant military commander and a skilled administrator. He rose to power in the 4th century BCE and defeated the Nanda dynasty, the Magadha ruler Dhana Nanda, and the Seleucid general Seleucus I Nicator.

Chandragupta Maurya established a centralized government and expanded the Mauryan empire to include most of the Indian subcontinent. He also introduced a number of reforms, including a new system of coinage, a new system of weights and measures, and a new system of taxation.

Chandragupta Maurya's son, Bindusara, continued to expand the Mauryan empire and consolidate his father's rule. Ashoka, Bindusara's son, was the greatest ruler of the Mauryan dynasty. He was a benevolent ruler who promoted peace and harmony. He also spread Buddhism throughout India and beyond.