Concept:The Maurya Empire was founded in 321 BCE by Chandragupta Maurya with guidance from Chanakya.Explanation:Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the Nanda Dynasty to establish the Maurya Empire.He ruled a vast territory from Afghanistan to Bengal and from the Himalayas to the Deccan Plateau.He created a centralized administration based on Chanakya’s Arthashastra.Later, he embraced Jainism, abdicated in favor of his son Bindusara, and fasted to death at Shravanabelagola.Answer:Option D – Chandragupta Maurya