5. INDIAN EMPIRES

I. Mauryan Empire (321 BC – 184 BC)1. Chandragupta Maurya became ruler of Northern India in 321 BC

A. Chandragupta’s Achievements1. Development of a postal system2. Maintained a strong army and spies to keep control

I. Mauryan Empire (321 BC – 184 BC)2. Asoka – Chandragupta’s grandson

A. Took rule in 274 BCB. Controlled large armies, united the Indian sub-continent in brutal battles

I. Mauryan Empire (321 BC – 184 BC)2. Asoka – Chandragupta’s grandson

C. Converted to Buddhism after one battlea. Spread the teachings of Buddhism throughout India and Asiab. Allowed Hindu people to practice their religion, caste system remained

I. Mauryan Empire (321 BC – 184 BC)2. Asoka – Chandragupta’s grandson

D. The Rock Edictsa. Developed by Asokab. Written in Sanskritc. Carved on rock pillars and placed throughout

Asoka’s empired. Were laws stressing concern for human beings

I. Mauryan Empire (321 BC – 184 BC)2. Asoka – Chandragupta’s grandson

E. Mauryan Contributionsa. Spread of Buddhismb. Provided free hospitals

c. Veterinary clinicsd. Built roads to connect empire

I. Mauryan Empire (321 BC – 184 BC)3. End of Empire

A. Later Mauryan rulers were not as enlightened as Asoka. They levied high taxes, seized large portions of crops grown in the kingdom.B. Ended in 184 BC when last Mauryan ruler was murdered

II. The Gupta Dynasty (310 AD – 600AD)1. Known as the Golden Age of Indian Culture

a. Chandragupta I (no relation to Chandragupta Maurya) took control of India in 310 AD

II. The Gupta Dynasty (310 AD – 600AD)2. Gupta Religion

a. Promoted the learning of the Upanishadsb. Made Hinduism the official religion of the Empirec. Built temples to god and goddesses that worshipped the Brahmin Nerguna

II. The Gupta Dynasty (310 AD – 600AD)3. Gupta Contributions

a. Mathematics1 Developed the concept of zero2. Developed the concept of infinity3. Developed the principles of Algebra

II. The Gupta Dynasty (310 AD – 600AD)3. Gupta Contributions

b. Astronomy1. Realized the earth was round2. Had some knowledge of gravity

c. Medicine1. Doctors set bones, performed operations, and developed medical instruments

d. Developed new textiles

II. The Gupta Dynasty (310 AD – 600AD)3. Gupta Contributions

e. Literature1. Mostly based on religion2. Panchatantra – a tale that presented moral lessons through animals acting like animals3. Drama became important during the Gupta Empire

II. The Gupta Dynasty (310 AD – 600AD)