1. Indian Empires

2. Background For hundreds of years after the Aryan invasion, India was divided into small states (no central government).For hundreds of years after the Aryan invasion, India was divided into small states (no central government). In the 300s BCE Alexander the Great conquers northwestern India.In the 300s BCE Alexander the Great conquers northwestern India. His armies soon left, however they left a lasting legacy - LEADERSHIPHis armies soon left, however they left a lasting legacy - LEADERSHIP

3. Who was Alexander? Alexander = Macedonian prince, born in 356 BCE.Alexander = Macedonian prince, born in 356 BCE. Macedonia = country north of GreeceMacedonia = country north of Greece Aristotle taught Alexander to greatly respect the Greek way of life.Aristotle taught Alexander to greatly respect the Greek way of life. Alexander also trained to be a rulerAlexander also trained to be a ruler Taught that his job was to expand the Macedonian empireTaught that his job was to expand the Macedonian empire Alexander's father had conquered most of the Greek city-states (Sparta)Alexander's father had conquered most of the Greek city-states (Sparta) When his father died, Alexander came to powerWhen his father died, Alexander came to power

4. Alexander continued The Greeks HATED Alexander BUT he loved Greek cultureThe Greeks HATED Alexander BUT he loved Greek culture Everywhere he went, Alexander introduced Greek literature, myth, dance, language, money, medicine, art, and theatreEverywhere he went, Alexander introduced Greek literature, myth, dance, language, money, medicine, art, and theatre He allowed conquered people the opportunity to run their own country as long as they were loyal to himHe allowed conquered people the opportunity to run their own country as long as they were loyal to him Alexander never lost a battle. Before his death, he had built over 70 cities, and had conquered the ENTIRE known world in the Mediterranean region. His empire stretched all the way to the Indus River.Alexander never lost a battle. Before his death, he had built over 70 cities, and had conquered the ENTIRE known world in the Mediterranean region. His empire stretched all the way to the Indus River.

5. Alexander Continued He probably would have pushed on, perhaps even to China, but Alexander died young. One day, he was out boating. He became quite ill and died shortly after. He was only 32 years old. Alexander died in June 323 BCE, about a month before his 33rd birthday.He probably would have pushed on, perhaps even to China, but Alexander died young. One day, he was out boating. He became quite ill and died shortly after. He was only 32 years old. Alexander died in June 323 BCE, about a month before his 33rd birthday.

6. OK Back to India… After Alexander retreated a new power was on the scene – Chandragupta MauryaAfter Alexander retreated a new power was on the scene – Chandragupta Maurya By 303 B.C., Chandragupta Maurya (known to the Greeks as Sandracotta) had gained control of an immense area ranging from Bengal in the east to Afghanistan in the west and as far south as the Narmada River. Much of his success is attributed to his prime minister and mentor, KautilyaBy 303 B.C., Chandragupta Maurya (known to the Greeks as Sandracotta) had gained control of an immense area ranging from Bengal in the east to Afghanistan in the west and as far south as the Narmada River. Much of his success is attributed to his prime minister and mentor, Kautilya

7. Chandragupta: 321 - 298 BCE  Unified northern India.  Defeated the Macedonian general Seleucus.  Divided his empire into provinces, then districts for tax assessments and law enforcement.  Ruled with the help of spies & 600,000 soldiers  He feared assassination  food tasters, slept in different rooms, etc.  301 BCE  gave up his throne & became a Jain.

8. The Maurya Empire 321 BCE – 185 BCE

9. KautilyaKautilya  Chandragupta’s advisor.  Brahmin caste.  Wrote The Treatise on Material Gain or the Arthashastra.  A guide for the king and his ministers:  Supports royal power.  The great evil in society is anarchy.  Therefore, a single authority is needed to employ force when necessary!

10. Asoka 304 – 232 BCE  Chandragupta's Grandson  Strong ruler.  Fought many bloody battles.  Had a change of heart   Converts to Buddhism.  Built extensive roads & wells.  Conflict  how to balance Kautilya’s methods of keeping power and Buddha’s demands to become a selfless person?

11. Asoka’s Empire

12. Asoka’s Law Code  Edicts (written laws) scattered in more than 30 places in India, Nepal, Pakistan, & Afghanistan.  Written mostly in Sanskrit, but one was in Greek and Aramaic.  10 rock edicts (narrative histories and announcements carved into cliff rock, onto pillars, and in caves).  Each pillar [stupa] is 40’-50’ high.  Buddhist principles dominate his laws.

13. One of Asoka’s Stupas

14. Asoka Video

15. After Asoka’s Death Turmoil: The Maurya Empire is divided into many kingdoms once again (500 years)

16. Gupta Rulers  Chandra Gupta I  rules 320 – 335 CE  “Great King of Kings”  Chandra Gupta II  rules 375 - 415 CE  Time of PROSPERITY  Profitable trade with the Mediterranean world!  Hindu revival (religious tolerance)  Huns invade – 450 CE

17. Gupta Empire: 320 – 400s Gupta Empire: 320 – 400s CE

18. Fa-Hsien: Life in Gupta India  Chinese Buddhist monk traveled along the Silk Road and visited India in the 5 th century.  He was following the path of the Buddha.  He reported the people to be happy, relatively free of government oppression, and inclined towards courtesy and charity. Other references in the journal, however, indicate that the caste system was rapidly assuming its basic features, including "untouchability,“ and inferiority of women.

19. Chandra Gupta 11

20. International Trade Routes during the Guptas

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

22. KalidasaKalidasa  The greatest of Indian poets.  His most famous play was Shakuntala.  During the reign of Chandra Gupta II.

23. Gupta Art Greatly influenced SoutheastAsian art & architecture.

24. 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 = 3.1416 Kalidasa Solar Calendar The earth is round Gupta India Gupta Achievements

25. The Decline of the Guptas  Invasion of the White Huns in the late 400s CE signaled the end of the Gupta Golden Age, even though at first, the Guptas defeated them.