State, Society, and the Quest for Salvation in India Chapter 9

Empire in Classical India Large regional kingdoms, but none with hegemony over others Learned administration methods from Persians Alexander the Great invaded, but within 200 years, withdrew leaving political vacuum Kingdom of Magadha became wealthy, conquered others and gained economic control

Chandragupta Maurya -> foundation for empire (centralized, unified) Relied on advisor: bureaucracy, spies, control of trade and agriculture, foreign relations Abdicated to become ascetic monk 297 BCE: succeeded by son, expanded

Ashoka Maurya 268-232 BCE: grandson, Ashoka ruled conquered Kalinga (who controlled trade routes) – very bloody Good at governing: bureaucracy, cosmopolitan capital (Pataliputra), stone and pillar edicts, well-integrated (stable and rich – irrigation agriculture and trade roads with shade, wells, and inns)

Decline of the Mauryan Empire 232 BCE: Ashoka died and empire declined within 50 years Economic problems: bureaucrats’ salaries too high, currency debased

Regional Kingdoms & Revival of Empire Kingdoms re-formed, while NW was under control of Greek-speaking Bactrian kingdom Acted as middlemen between China and Mediterranean trade through Taxila Kushans invaded and took over Bactria, forming an empire Facilitated trade between India and silk roads by keeping the peace

The Gupta Dynasty Chandra Gupta laid foundations for empire through family alliances and formed kingdom Expanded, forming and empire (took over some, form tributary alliances with others) Smaller than Maurya with different organization More decentralized (local admin. And basic policy left to regional allies) Created period of stability and prosperity

Gupta Decline Invasion of White Huns (C. Asian nomads) Fought them at first, but at high cost Established kingdoms throughout N and W India Gupta continued as name was used by regional leaders -> back to regional kingdoms

Economic Development: Towns & Trade Towns: marketplaces for manufactured goods and luxury items Trade along rivers, Ashoka’s roads, and sea routes (monsoon winds( Increased as other empires developed more manufacturing (Persia, Greece, China) Exports: cotton, aromatics, black pepper, pearls, gems Imports: horses and bullion (W), silk (E), spices (SE Asia)

Family Life Strong patriarchal families and social order Nuclear families Women were subordinate (weak-willed, emotional) Increased in C.E. -> child marriage

Caste System With increase in trade, new groups formed who didn’t fit system (merchants and artisans) Formed guilds who lived together in neighborhoods, socialized, intermarried = jati Jati organized courts to deal with members (could be expelled -> low, unclean) Jati took on role of central government Wealth challenged social order as lower groups prospered through trade and industry

Religions of Salvation in Classical Indi Importance of brahmins decreased and resentment increased -> emergence of new religions and philosophies in 6th and 5th centuries BCE

Jainism Founder = Vardhamana Mahavita: left home, ascetic, enlightenment Disciples formed monastic order and spread his message Doctrine from Upanishads: everything has a soul, suffering, be pure from selfish behavior (ahimsa) to be released Difficult, because all occupations involve violence

Jainism (cont.) Appeal: no social hierarchy -> popular with low castes, plus merchants, scholars, etc. who did little violence Never became too popular, but influenced Hinduism, Buddhism, Gandhi, MLK, Jr.

Early Buddhism 534 BCE: Siddhartha Gautama became ascetic in search of enlightenment and explanation of suffering Through meditation and extreme asceticism, received it and became the Buddha Gave sermons (Deer Park) and attracted followers organized in monastic order

Early Buddhism (cont.) Doctrine: 4 noble truths All life involves suffering Desire causes suffering Elimination of desire will eliminate suffering Eliminate desire by following the Eightfold Path (right behavior, etc.) Eventually, escape cycle of reincarnation -> nirvana

Early Buddhism Appeal: No caste system, less emphasis on asceticism Used vernacular language Focal points = holy sites Organization – monasteries Support of Ashoka (Kalinga, banned sacrifice, land grants, stupas and monasteries, pilgrimages, missionaries)

Mahayana Buddhism Still, difficult to live it completely -> 3 changes made it easier Buddha = God (devotional focus) Boddhistava to help guide members Monasteries accepted gifts for salvation (also, became education centers) => Mahayana (the greater vehicle) (traditional = Theravada) Spread throughout C. Asia, China, Japan, Korea

Popular Hinduism Based on Vedas and Upanishads Evolved to a religion of salvation that addressed needs of ordinary people Values found in Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Bhagavad Gita Featured Vishnu Values = fulfilling caste responsibilities, subservience of women

Popular Hinduism (cont.) Appeal: promise of salvation for following caste system, support of Guptas => displaced Buddhism in India 4 components: Dharma: obedience to laws Artha: pursuit of economic well-being Kama: enjoyment of pleasure Moksha: salvation through balance of dharma, artha, and kama)