Step 1: Understanding the Maurya dynasty.
The Maurya dynasty was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 321 BCE. He established one of the largest empires in Indian history, which expanded under his successors, including Ashoka, his grandson. The Maurya dynasty is famous for its administrative innovations and the spread of Buddhism under Ashoka.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Chandragupta Maurya: Correct. Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya dynasty and established the Maurya Empire, which later became one of the greatest empires in Indian history.
(B) Ashoka: Incorrect. Ashoka was a prominent ruler of the Maurya dynasty, but he did not found it. He was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya.
(C) Bimbisara: Incorrect. Bimbisara was a king of Magadha and a contemporary of the Buddha, but he was not part of the Maurya dynasty.
(D) Samudragupta: Incorrect. Samudragupta was a famous ruler of the Gupta dynasty, not the Maurya dynasty.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The Maurya dynasty was founded by Chandragupta Maurya. Thus, the correct answer is (A).