Final answer:
Both the Mauryan and Han empires were successful in different ways, with the Mauryans being powerful in military strength and administration, and the Han excelling in economic prosperity and cultural achievement, including promoting Confucianism and expanding trade through the Silk Road.
Step-by-step explanation:
Answering which empire, Mauryan or Han, was more successful is nuanced, as they both showed significant prowess in distinct ways. The Mauryan Empire, with notable rulers like Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka, had a mighty military and developed a unified system of finance, administration, and security. Ashoka the Great also promoted the spread of Buddhism and welfare programs like hospitals and schools. On the other hand, the Han dynasty flourished in economic prosperity and cultural achievements. They fostered Confucianism, developed a professional bureaucracy, and laid the foundations for long-standing economic systems, including state monopolies on key commodities.
The Han dynasty also expanded trade routes, particularly the Silk Road, connecting China to a global economic network. In contrast, after the end of the Mauryan rule, India went through a phase of fragmentation. Hence, it can be argued that both empires were successful, each pioneering advancements that impacted their regional and global spheres in different ways. The Mauryan Empire excelled in political and military organization, while the Han dynasty's legacy is evident in its long-lasting cultural influences and economic systems.