Mauryan and Gupta India

324 BCE-650 CE

I. Mauryan Empire 324-184 BCE1. Strategic location: near Ganges River, agriculture,

iron mines

2. Chandragupta ruled over first unified Indian empire

3. Consolidation of power:a) 25% tax on harvests

b) King’s relatives governed local sectors

c) Large army

d) Complete control of economy

e) Standard coinage fostered support for gov’t

4. Capital at Pataliputra- where 5 tributaries met Ganges R.

5. Chandragupta embraced Jainism and starved to death– Founded by Mahavira c. 500 BCE– Emphasizes holiness of life-force that animates all living

things, therefore strict non-violence– Asceticism, nudity, starve to death ultimately

II. Ashoka 304-232 BCE1. Largest Indian empire

2. Embraced Buddhism• Freed prisoners, gave back land• Policy of non-violence• Built stupas for Buddhist followers• Religious tolerance of all sects

3. Constructed: hospitals, schools of higher learning, irrigation systems, resthouses for travellers

4. Name means: "He who is the beloved of the Gods and who regards everyone amiably"

Ashoka Chakra

Lion of Ashoka- National Emblem of

India

• Erected by Ashoka and contain inscriptions of edict about morality based on Buddhist tenets.

III. Mauryan Collapse1. No central authority, but trade flourished

2. India at the heart of international land and sea trade routes linking:– China, SE Asia, Central Asia, East Africa, Mid.

East, Mediterranean– Merchants became politically powerful– Merchants became patrons of Buddhism, built

temples

IV. Gupta 320-550 CE1. Like Mauryans, monopolized economy and

collected 25% tax. But not as strong

2. Unlike Mauryans, they were Hindu

3. Supported math and science– Invented concept of zero (0) and developed “Arabic”

numerals

4. Women lost power/status because of rising merchant/middle class.

Questions:1. India is located in a very strategic area. What

kinds of things were transmitted, diffused, and spread as a result of its location?

2. What role did government play in spreading the Hindu and Buddhist beliefs?