What were the social, cultural, religious, and economic characteristics of the Maurya Empire in India?

What were the social, cultural, religious, and economic characteristics of the Maurya Empire in India? What was the impact of the Emperor Asoka on Mauryan culture and society?

2) What are the core beliefs of Hinduism? What are the origins of Hinduism? Why do you think such a very ancient religion has survived to the present day?

3) What are the core beliefs of Buddhism? What distinguishes the different varieties of Buddhism?