As the 1600s CE dawned, the Mauryan Empire stood stronger than ever, but the world was changing. New threats, foreign powers, and hidden dangers loomed on the horizon. Ashoka, still living in the shadows, watched carefully, knowing that the empire's greatest test was yet to come.
1. The Rise of European Colonial Powers
The Portuguese, Dutch, British, and French had begun expanding their influence across the world, establishing trading posts and colonies in Africa, the Americas, and Asia.
Portuguese Arrival (1498 CE): Vasco da Gama's fleet arrived on the shores of Bharatvarsha (India), seeking trade opportunities. However, unlike in real history, the Mauryan Navy was too powerful, preventing European control over Indian trade routes.
Dutch and British East India Companies (1600s CE): The British and Dutch sought to expand their trade networks, but the Mauryan economy was self-sufficient, making them dependent on the empire rather than controlling it.
French Attempts at Diplomacy: The French attempted to establish alliances with Mauryan rulers, but the empire remained cautious, not allowing foreign powers to gain influence.
Mauryan spies and strategists kept a close eye on these European powers, ensuring they never gained a foothold in Bharatvarsha.
2. The Mauryan Empire's Response to Global Changes
While the world changed, the Mauryan Empire continued its technological and economic dominance.
Industrial Advancements: The Mauryan Empire had already developed steam engines, printing presses, and advanced metallurgy, keeping them centuries ahead of European powers.
Military Modernization: The army introduced new artillery, firearms, and warships, ensuring that no invader could match their strength.
Scientific Progress: The great universities of Nalanda, Takshashila, and Vikramshila produced thousands of scholars, engineers, and physicians, keeping the empire at the forefront of scientific innovation.
The Mauryan Empire remained untouched by colonization, standing as the most advanced and powerful nation on Earth.
3. Ashoka's Secret Observations
Ashoka, living in secrecy, observed these global changes with caution. He knew that while the Mauryan Empire was safe for now, the world was becoming more interconnected, and cosmic threats beyond Earth still existed.
Watching Over the Eternals: Ashoka monitored the Eternals, ensuring they did not interfere with his empire. He also studied their advanced technology, gaining insight into future threats.
The Hidden Dangers of the TVA: Knowing about the Time Variance Authority (TVA) from his memories of the Loki series, Ashoka made sure that his actions did not cause major disruptions in the timeline.
The Expansion of Infinite Space Heaven: More and more great Mauryan leaders, scholars, and warriors passed into Ashoka's Infinite Space Heaven, ensuring that the empire's wisdom and strength would never be lost.
Ashoka understood that his true role was no longer to rule, but to protect the empire from the shadows.
4. The Beginning of the Space Age
By the 1700s CE, Mauryan scientists and astronomers had made groundbreaking discoveries about gravity, physics, and astronomy.
First Concepts of Space Travel: Mauryan scholars designed blueprints for rockets and airships, theorizing about the possibility of space travel.
Telescopic Observations: The Mauryan Empire had large observatories, allowing astronomers to study the planets, stars, and cosmic phenomena.
Scientific Knowledge Beyond Earth: Ashoka, knowing he was in the Marvel Universe, ensured that Mauryan scientists focused on cosmic studies, preparing for potential alien encounters in the future.
The Mauryan Empire was not only the most powerful force on Earth, but it was also on the verge of reaching beyond the planet itself.
5. The Future Awaits
By the mid-1700s CE, the Mauryan Empire had survived centuries of challenges, emerging stronger than ever.
However, new challenges loomed on the horizon—from hidden extraterrestrial threats to potential conflicts with the TVA and the cosmic entities of the Marvel Universe.
Ashoka knew that the next era of history would be unlike anything the world had ever seen.
The Mauryan Empire had conquered Earth… but was it ready for the stars?
(To be continued…)