What enabled the Maurya dynasty to unify much of India around 322 BCE?

The ability of the Maurya dynasty to unify much of India around 322 BCE primarily stemmed from its strong military power. This military strength allowed the Mauryan rulers, particularly Chandragupta Maurya, to conquer and control a vast territory, overcoming various regional kingdoms and local rulers. The highly organized and disciplined army of the Mauryas was instrumental in their campaigns, enabling them to seize control over the northern Indian subcontinent.

This military prowess was complemented by effective administration and the strategic use of alliances and diplomacy, but it was the ability to mobilize a powerful army that predominantly facilitated their unification efforts. Unlike the other options, which refer to specific external factors or cultural movements, the focus on strong military capabilities highlights the immediate and direct means by which the Maurya dynasty established itself as a dominant force in ancient India.