The document discusses the rule of the Mauryan and Gupta empires in India. It describes how Chandragupta Maurya conquered northern India in the 4th century BC and extended his empire, and how his son Bindusara ruled after him. It then focuses on Emperor Ashoka, praising him as one of the most remarkable rulers for renouncing violence after seeing the destruction of war, converting to Buddhism, promoting the religion throughout his empire, and improving conditions for his people.

1. Aim: How did the
Mauryas & Guptas Rule
India?
DO NOW: Explain the Basic beliefs of
Buddhism

2. 1. All life is filled with
suffering
2. Suffering is caused by
desire
3. The way to end
suffering is to end
desire
4. Follow the Eightfold
Path to end suffering

3. The Background History...
Do you remember the Aryans?
The Mauryan period of Indian history was really began
northwestern India was conquered by Alexander the Great, in
326 BC. This seems to have destroyed the the Aryan’s ruling
of the states in the region. The first great conqueror in Indian
history was Chandragupta Maurya (reigned 322-298 BC).

4. Chandragupta Maurya
- Conquered Northern
India
- drove out Alexander
the Great’s successors
- Chandragupta Maurya
(reigned 322-298 BC)
- Extended his conquest
into Afghanistan and
eastern Iran.
- Was succeeded by his son,
Bindusara (reigned 298-272
BC).

7. King Asoka
Asoka/ Ashoka
Bindusara was followed by his
son, Asoka (reigned 272-232
BC). Asoka was one of the most
remarkable, and admirable, rulers
in the whole of world history.
Why might a ruler be admired?

8. Why is Asoka considered to be a great ruler?
- He fought a bloody war against Kalinga (eastern India)
- After seeing how many people were killed, Asoka renounced
warfare and converted to Buddhism.
- He sent Buddhist Monks on missions to China and Central
Asia
- He had pillars carved with Buddhist teachings and placed
around his empire
- He built schools, hospitals, old people’s homes, and took care
of the poor
- Buddhism flourished under the Maurya

9. Indian Achievements:
Indian mathematicians
devised the number
system we use today,
featuring nine numerals,
the zero, and the decimal.

10. Medicine
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is the name which the ancient Indians gave to
their science of medicine. Ayuh means life and veda to
know or attain. Ayurveda is the science by the knowledge
of which life can be prolonged or its nature understood.