India’s First Empires

India’s reluctance to a unifying empire The extreme cultural diversity of the subcontinent Frequent invasions from Central Asia smashing emerging states Social structure in the caste system linked to local loyalties and occupations at the expense of wider identities

India did have 2 homegrown Empires

Persian Occupation Darius I came through the Khyber Pass and conquered northwestern India. For 200 years, Indus Valley was ruled by Persian satrap, or governor.

Greek occupation 326 BC: Alexander the Great invaded India with the goal of unifying all of Northern India. Only stayed for 5 years before giving up on his goal. He left generals in his place to keep order among the people.

Chandragupta  Unified northern India.  Defeated the Persian general Seleucus.  Divided his empire into provinces, then districts for tax assessments and law enforcement.  He feared assassination  food tasters, slept in different rooms, etc.  301 BCE  gave up his throne & became a Jain

Asoka promotes Buddhism After a bloody war with Kalinga, Asoka promotes Buddhism and peace Preaches religious toleration— accepting people of different religions Builds roads, with wells along them

Asoka Ordered huge pillars to be erected inscribed with a public announcement of his new policies. Promoted religious tolerance. One was found written in Greek Built roads with wells and rest houses every 9 miles so travelers could rest. His empire would soon fall after his death

The Gupta Empire Chandra Gupta I married the daughter of an influential royal family. 320 AD: Chandra Gupta I crowned King of upper Ganges Valley. “Great King of Kings”

Extensive Trade : Extensive Trade : spices spices gold & ivory rice & wheat horses cotton goods silks

Trade during Gupta period

Medicine Literature Mathematics Astronomy Printed medicinal guides 1000 diseases classified Plastic Surgery C-sections performed Inoculations 500 healing plants identified Decimal System Concept of Zero PI = Kalidasa Solar Calendar The earth is round Gupta India Gupta Achievement s ube.com/watch?v =gulApUKih2w