1. Homework
Quiz on India Tuesday (25 multiple choice questions – 20 minutes). Start studying!

2. Do Now
Complete the blank areas on the comparison chart.

3. Hinduism vs. Buddhism Goal: Moksha Views on Caste System:
Strongly in favor of it
Gods: 33,000 separate deities
View on Women: Patriarchal, women are inferior (represented by the ritual of sati).
Goal: Nirvana
Views on Caste System: Rejects it (anyone can achieve Nirvana, regardless of class)
Gods: Buddha rejects the idea of multiple gods, does not want to be worshipped as a god
View on Women: They are a distraction, should be banned from monastic orders. Later, Buddha allows them to join, but they have lesser positions than men.

4. Aim: How were empires in India influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism?
October 23, 2014

5. I. The Mauryan Empire (324 B.C. – 183 B.C.)
A. For centuries, the Aryans
brought little unity to India.
Eventually the Persians,
later Alexander the Great
conquer India.
B. In 324 B.C. Chandragupta
Maurya creates The Mauryan
Empire, the first dynasty EVER to
unite most of India. Rules as a
dictator

6. I. The Mauryan Empire (324 B.C. – 183 B.C.)
C. Asoka (ruled 269 B.C.-232 B.C.) –
Grandson of Chandragupta.
Considered to be the greatest
ruler in the history of India.
Begins his reign fighting bloody
wars, but eventually changes. Why?
Achievements:

7. II. The Gupta Empire: India’s Golden Age (320 A.D. - 500 A.D.)
A. Hindu Empire with many achievements:
• Math
– concept of zero
– decimal system based on the
number 10
– Arabic Numerals (0-9)
• Medicine
– plastic surgery
– vaccine against smallpox
• Architecture
– Stone temples to Hindu gods
– Stupas- Buddhist shrines that contained remains of holy people

8. Concluding Question
How would you persuade a Hindu to convert to Buddhism? Discuss at least two aspects of Buddhism that might appeal to him/her. In doing so, make sure to point out any similarities or differences between these two religions that may apply to your own argument.