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7.1 india's first empires
The document summarizes the establishment of two major empires in India - the Mauryan Empire from 321 BC to 232 BC, and the Gupta Empire from AD 320 to 550. The Mauryan Empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya and expanded by his grandson Asoka, who promoted Buddhism. The Gupta Empire was founded by Chandra Gupta I and expanded by his son Samudra Gupta and grandson Chandra Gupta II, during which time Indian culture flourished. Both empires declined after the deaths of their strongest rulers.
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7.1 india's first empires
- 1. India and ChinaEstablish Empires 400 B.C.-AD.550
- 3. Chapter Opener Asoka: The Buddhist King of India • Buddhism turned Asoka, the bloodthirsty king of ancient India’s Mauryan Empire, into a peace-loving ruler.
- 4. Section 1: India’sFirst Empires
- 5. The Mauryan Empireis Established Chandragupta Maurya Seizes Power • In 321 B.C. Chandragupta Maurya seizes power, starts Mauryan Empire Chandragupta Maurya Unifies North India • Chandragupta defeats Seleucus I; north India is united for the first time • Chandragupta uses taxes to support his large army
- 6. The Mauryan Empireis Established Running the Empire • Chandragupta’s chief adviser is Kautilya, a priest • Chandragupta creates a bureaucratic government • He divides the government to make it easier to rule
- 7. The Mauryan Empireis Established Life in the City and the Country • A Greek ambassador writes glowing praise of the empire • Chandragupta’s son rules from 301 to 269 B.C., (32 years) • Aŝoka— Chandragupta’s grandson, brings the empire to its height Mahabodhi Temple, site of first temple built by Asoka (3rd century B.C.) on spot of Buddha’s enlightenment. Bihar, India
- 8. The Mauryan Empireis Established Asoka Promotes Buddhism • After a bloody war with Kalinga, Asoka promotes Buddhism and peace • Preaches religious toleration—accepting people of different religions • Builds roads, with wells along them
- 9. A Period ofTurmoil The Breakup of the Mauryan Empire • Asoka dies in 232 B.C.; kingdoms in central India soon break away • The Andhra Dynasty dominates central India for centuries • Northern India receives immigrants from Greece and other parts of Asia • Tamils—a people living in southern India—remain separate and frequently war with rival peoples.
- 10. The Gupta Empireis Established Chandra Gupta Builds an Empire • Chandra Gupta marries into kingship in north India in A.D. 320 • Starts Gupta Empire —India’s second empire; flowering of Indian civilization, especially Hindu culture (see next slide) • His son Samudra Gupta expands empire with conquest
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- 12. The Gupta Empireis Established Daily Life in India • Majority of Indians are farmers; entire family raises crops together • Families are patriarchal—headed by the eldest male • Farmers have to contribute work to government and pay heavy taxes • Some Tamil families are matriarchal— led by mother rather than father
- 13. The Gupta Empireis Established Height of the Gupta Empire • Chandra Gupta II rules from A.D. 375- 415 • He defeats the Shakas and adds western coast to empire • Gupta Empire sees flourishing of arts, religion, and science • After Chandra Gupta II dies, the empire declines