As the Mauryan empire was so large, different parts were ruled differently. The area around Pataliputra was under the direct control of the emperor. This meant that officials were appointed to collect taxes from farmers, herders, craftspersons and traders, who lived in villages and towns in the area. Officials also punished those who disobeyed the ruler‚¬„¢s orders. Many of these officials were given salaries. Messengers went to and fro and spies kept a watch on the officials. And of course, the emperor supervised them all, with the help of members of the royal family, and senior ministers. There were other areas or provinces. Each of these was ruled from a provincial capital such as Taxila or Ujjain. Although there was some amount of control from Pataliputra, and royal princes were often sent as governors, local customs and rules were probably followed. Besides, there were vast areas between these centres. Here the Mauryas tried to control roads and rivers, which were important for transport, and to collect whatever resources were available as tax and tribute. For example, the Arthashastra tells us that the north-west was important for blankets, and south India for its gold and precious stones. It is possible that these resources were collected as tribute. Maurya Empire-The Maurya Empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya. He reigned from 321-297 BCE. Bindusara was the second emperor of the Mauryan Empire. He was the son of Chandragupta Maurya. He reigned from 297-273 BCEAshoka, the most famous ruler was the son of Bindusara. He succeeded his father, Bindusara. He reigned from 273-232 BCE. Brihadratha was the last ruler of the Maurya dynasty. He reigned from 187-180 BCE. He was killed by Pushyamitra Shunga who then established the Shunga dynasty.