The Mauryan empire existed during 325 – 1285 BCE. The Gupta dynasty existed between 320 and 550 CE. The Mauryan Empire was very vast and the dynasty ruled almost all of India, including what is now Pakistan and Afghanistan. The area under the rule of The Gupta rulers was much less than that of The Mauryan Empire. The administrative structure of the Mauryan Empire was very much centralized. During The Gupta rule, it had more decentralized administrative structure that was followed. Administration of villages was bestowed with local leaders, and the rulers never intervened with such administration. The Mauryan rulers introduced very extensive tax system, and imposed heavy taxes on the people. The Guptas were more liberal in imposing taxes on citizens. The Mauryan rulers favored and promoted mainly non Hindu religions. The Gupta rulers followed and promoted Hinduism. Great architectural structures and pillars were built during the Mauryan dynasty and science, literature and astronomy flourished during the Gupta period. The Mauryan rulers actively entered into foreign trade. The Gupta rulers on the other hand were more interested in internal trade. Decline of the Mauryan Empire was abetted by internal strife and assassination of ruler and The Gupta dynasty faced external threat and military conflict.
