The document summarizes the rise and fall of early empires in India, including the Mauryan Dynasty founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 324 BC which flourished under Asoka until declining after his death in 232 BC. It also discusses the later Kushan kingdom established in the 1st century AD that prospered from trade along the Silk Road.

1. Chapter 3 – Section 2
New Empires in India
• India was first conquered by Persia. It was later conquered by the Greeks and
Macedonians.
• Alexander the Great’s conquests into western India resulted in the rise of the first dynasty
to control India.
• Mauryan Dynasty
o Founded by Chandragupta Maurya, who ruled from 324 to 301 B.C.
o Capital was Pataliputra
o The empire was divided into provinces that had governors appointed by
Chandragupta Maurya. He created a large army and secret police.
o flourished under the reign of Asoka, the greatest ruler of India that used Buddhist
principles in his rule. The kingdom prospered as trade began to expand.
o began to decline in 232 B.C., Asoka’s death. India fell into disunity when the last
Mauryan ruler was killed in 183 B.C.
• Nomadic warriors established the Kushan kingdom in the first century A.D.
• Kushans prospered from trade that shipped along the Silk Road, beginning in the city of
Changan in China to Mesopotamia. A few items traded in the Silk Road were silk, spices,
tea, ivory, pepper, and much more.