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India is a peninsula. It is surrounded bywater on three sides.

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The Ganges is an important andsacred river in northern India.

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The Himalayas are mountains separating India from China.

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The Himalayas have passes. Alexander the Great marched into India.

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India also experiences the monsoon. The monsoons are winds that bring the rains.

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The monsoons are vital for farming.

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The Mauryan Empire

was founded in northern

India in 322 B.C.

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While there were many significant

rulers, King Asokawas the greatest

ruler of the Mauryanempire.

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Asoka converted to Buddhism after witnessing a particularly bloody battle.

He was religiously tolerant. He respected all religions.

He improved roads, built hospitals, and sent teachers to Buddhism.

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King Asoka encouraged teachers tospread Buddhism throughout India and

beyond.

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The Mauryan empire began to weaken after the death of Asoka.

The last emperor was assassinated around 185 B.C.

Five centuries of disorder followed.

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However, Asokaordered his words for peace and tolerance carved on pillars. These pillars of Asoka can still be found in India today.