Powerful Empires of India The Maurya & Gupta Empires Gupta Empire – 320 – 550 C.E. What else was happening during this time period? -Constantine made Constantinople capital in 330 CE -W. Roman Empire fell in 476 CE Maurya Empire – 321 – 184 B.C.E What else was happening during this time period? -Alexander the Great died in 323 BCE -The Punic Wars were happening 264-146 BCE

The Rise of the Maurya Empire Alexander the Great invaded the Indian sub-continent in 326 BCE and died 3 years later Chandragupta Maurya created the first Indian empire in 321 BCE Chandragupta Maurya Ruled 322-297 B.C.E.

Government: Chandragupta Maurya Chandragupta Maurya used his army of 9,000 elephants and 700,000 soldiers to conquer and unify all of northern India. He divided his kingdom into provinces and put officials loyal to him in charge (bureaucracy). These royal officials supervised the building of roads and harbors to benefit trade. Others collected taxes, managed shipyards and worked in the royal courts. His rule was effective, but harsh, as he had a secret police force spy on people and report any instances of corruption, crime or dissent. He even had specially-trained women warriors guard his palace.

Maurya Empire’s Height: The Reign of Asoka 268-232 B.C.E. Pillar inscribed with Edicts Capital - Pataliputra Asoka was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya At this time, the last independent kingdom in the Deccan region was Kalinga, which Asoka brought under his control through a bloody war in 260 B.C.E. The war left him questioning the loss of human life and violence. It inspired him to reject violence, become a vegetarian, and to convert to Buddhism in 258 B.C.E.

Asoka’s Edicts & Effect of His Rule Asoka communicated his policies throughout his realm by inscribing edicts (laws) in natural stone formations and pillars that he ordered to be erected. The edicts promoted Buddhist values and expressed his concern to rule fairly, justly and humanely. He also sent missionaries across India to spread Buddhism; thus paving the way for the spread of Buddhism into Asia.

Decline of the Maurya Empire Under Asoka, the various regions of India became well-integrated and experienced economic prosperity under a stable government. After his death in 232 B.C.E., Maurya power declined. Administrative costs outweighed revenues brought into the treasury. Rulers debased the currency and were unable to hold the empire together. Rival princes battled for power again and by 184 B.C.E., the unity of the empire was shattered.

- Faxian, A Record of Buddhist Kingdoms The Gupta Empire 320-550 C.E. “The people are very well off, without poll tax or official restrictions. Only those who till the royal lands return a portion of the profit of the land as a tax…The kings govern without corporal punishment. Criminals are fined, according to circumstances, lightly or heavily.” - Faxian, A Record of Buddhist Kingdoms

Gupta Golden Age - Learning Subjects taught included mathematics, medicine, physics, languages and literature. Mathematical advances were among most important Gupta achievements: “Arabic” numerals, concept of zero and the decimal system were developed. Medical advances included using herbs and other remedies to treat illness as well as setting bones, simple surgeries and vaccinations.

Gupta Golden Age Art & Architecture Buddhists built stupas: large dome-shaped shrines that housed the sacred remains of Buddha or other holy people. Elaborate carvings told the stories of either Buddha or Hindu gods. Murals reflected scenes of daily life in Gupta India.

Gupta Golden Age - Literature Fine writers added to the heritage of Indian literature. They collected and recorded fables and folk tales in Sanskrit. The greatest Gupta poet and playwright was Kalidasa, who wrote the play, Shakuntala. Shakuntala tells the story of a king who marries the orphan, Shakuntala. An evil spell is cast on the king and he forgets his bride. He finally recovers his memory after many plots developments and is reunited with her. At the end, the couple is blessed by the king’s advisor.

Decline of the Gupta Empire Fourth Century C.E. Weak rulers, civil war and foreign invaders all contributed to the decline and fall of the Gupta Empire. The White Huns, a nomadic people from central Asia, invaded and overran the weak empire, destroying its cities and trade. Not until the establishment of the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century C.E. did any state rule as much of India as the Maurya and Gupta empires ruled.

What else is happening in the world? Name: ____________________________ 1/17/14 Unit 5: India Classical Indian Empires Dates What else is happening in the world? Achievements Reasons for Decline Maurya Empire Chandragupta Asoka Gupta Empire

Directions: Answer the following summary questions once you have completed the chart. 1) How did Maurya rulers create a strong central government? 2) What were some of the major achievements of Indian kingdoms? 3) Why is the period of Gupta rule in India considered a golden age? Vocabulary: (Be sure you know the following terms) -bureaucracy: -edicts: -stupas: