1. Classical India:
Mauryan & Gupta Empires

2. Mauryan Dynasty (305 BCE-232 BCE)
Aryan Influence: language and social structure.
Also led to the development of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Later Invasions: Alexander the Great eventually spread into India in 327 B.C., but his soldiers couldn’t deal with the Monsoon rains and so they forced him to turn back.

3. Founder: Chandragupta Maurya, who defeated the Greeks, united northern India
Organization:
Bureaucracy: appointed officials, divided empire into provinces, used secret police to check on officials
“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown” – Shakespeare, Henry IV
Chandragupta feared being poisoned and had people taste all of his food, he slept in a different room every night.

4. A Successful Grandson! Asoka (Ashoka) The Mauryan empire flourished under his rule
considered the greatest ruler in the history of India.
From Warrior to Religious Conversion
Bloodshed at Kalinga turned Asoka to Buddhism (“peace to all things”) as a way to live and rule.
Buddhist Ideals
He set up free hospitals for people and animals (veterinary clinics). Built extensive roads to connect empire, trees for shade, wells to freshen up. He freed his prisoners and gave them back their land!
Missionaries
Asoka sent missionaries throughout Asia.
He is greatly responsible for spreading Buddhism outside India into the rest of Asia (China, Southeast Asia).

5. Asoka erected pillars throughout his empire
Asoka erected pillars throughout his empire. Inscribed with the “Edict of Asoka” – moral and social practices based on Buddhist teachings (political/religious)
The lions stand above the wheel of Dharma, representing Buddha’s teaching

6. Modern India linked to Classical!
Modern flag of India vs. Asoka’s pillar See a similarity?

7. Kushan Kingdom: Located in Bactria (Afghanistan) – spread empire across northern India and Ganges river valley
The Trade Empire: had diplomatic contacts with Rome, Persia and Han China, and for several centuries were at the center of exchange between the East and the West
Silk Road (Trade Routes)
Arose between 200BCE-100CE Covered 4,000 miles. People, goods, ideas (Cultural Diffusion)

8. The Gupta Empire (320 CE)
Founder: Chandra Gupta (No Relation to the Mauryan Emperor)
Successful son! Samudra Gupta: Expanded the Empire
Dominant Political Force
The Guptas became the most powerful force in the region.
They engaged in trade with China, SE Asia, and the Mediterranean.

9. The Golden Age of India
Chandragupta II: The Gupta Empire reached its greatest height under him. He controlled a vast empire, from the mouth of the Ganges to the mouth of the Indus River and from what is now North Pakistan
Trade: Led to advancements in science & math! (Need: increase trade, coordinate time, wealth) Science – astronomy, sailing, round world
Math – decimal places, concept of zero, solar year calculated
Medicine – setting bones, surgery, diagnosing disease
Pilgrim routes: Religious trade was also vital to their economy. Religious travelers, or pilgrims, journeyed through India for different religious reasons.