Who was the great ruler of the Maurya Empire noted for uniting much of India?

The great ruler of the Maurya Empire noted for uniting much of India is Ashoka. He is recognized not only for the vast geographical extent of the empire under his reign but also for his significant role in promoting Buddhism and ethical leadership after his conversion to the faith. Ashoka's reign marked a period of peace and stability following a particularly violent conflict, the Kalinga War, which led him to adopt a more compassionate approach to governance, emphasizing non-violence and moral conduct.

Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka's grandfather, was instrumental in establishing the Maurya Empire, but it was Ashoka who expanded it to its greatest extent and solidified its influence over a large portion of the Indian subcontinent. Harsha and Akbar, while notable rulers in their own rights, belonged to different periods and empires; Harsha ruled after the fall of the Maurya Empire, and Akbar was a Mughal emperor who came much later. Thus, Ashoka stands out as a transformative figure in the history of India, not just for uniting the region but also for lasting impacts on culture and religion.