The document summarizes the history of India from the Age of Brahmin Dominance to the Gupta Empire. It describes the rise of Brahmin power in early India and the development of the caste system. It then discusses the era of social change and religious ferment, including the rise of Buddhism under Ashoka during the Mauryan Empire. Finally, it outlines the Gupta Empire's Hindu renaissance and recovery of Brahmin influence, before its decline in the 5th century CE.

1. Copyright 2007, Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman

2. I. The Age of Brahmin Dominance II. An Era of Widespread Social Change III. Religious Ferment and the Rise of Buddhism IV. The Mauryas V. Brahminical Recovery and the Splendors of the Gupta Age

3. I. The Age of Brahmin Dominance A. The Kingdoms of the Gangetic Plains Aryan settlers Into Ganges plain after 1000 B.C.E. Small states Warrior councils Brahmins dominate Dramatic changes from Harappan period B. Sources of Brahmin Power Mediators Perform rites Monopoly on literacy Vedic texts Sanskrit Special status Inviolate, exempt from taxes

4. II. An Era of Widespread Social Change Economic changes Towns grow Merchants, artisans more important Pastoralism replaced by agriculture Peasant villages proliferate A. The Caste System Varnas, categories; based on pollution Brahmins Warriors Merchants Peasants Artisans Untouchables Status ( dharma ) determined by birth Transmigration of souls Karma

5. II. An Era of Widespread Social Change B. The Family and the Changing Status of Women Extended family only among higher castes Most families nuclear Women subordinate Mahabharata and Ramayana Epics From earlier period of greater freedom for women C. The End of an Era Social and armed conflict lead to unrest

6. III. Religious Ferment and the Rise of Buddhism Widespread changes in 500s, 400s B.C.E. China: Confucius, Laozi Persia: Zoroaster Israel: prophets Greece: classical philosophers India: Buddha A. The Making of a Religious Teacher Buddha, born in 6th century B.C.E. Takes to wandering life, asceticism Four Noble Truths Escape suffering by renouncing worldly things Achievement of nirvana Followers Form principles into religion Worship Buddha as god Dissension Good works v. contemplative life

7. III. Religious Ferment and the Rise of Buddhism B. The Buddhist Challenge Challenges to Brahmins Buddha denies Vedas as scripture Critique of caste system Untouchables and women can gain nirvana Monasteries open to all C. The Greek Interlude Alexander the Great, 327 B.C.E. Contact between India and Hellenistic world improves Greek mathematics and astronomy Indian religious ideas Stoics and mystery religions influenced Synthesis of sculptural traditions

8. IV. The Mauryas A. The Rise of the Mauryas Alexander's retreat leaves vacuum Chandragupta Maurya Forms empire Absolute monarch Arthashastra , Kautilya Influential treatise Successors extend empire

9. IV. The Mauryas B. Ashoka’s Conversion and the Flowering of Buddhism in the Mauryan Age Ashoka Grandson of Chandragupta Conversion to Buddhism Becomes pacific, vegetarian Infrastructure: roads, hospitals, inns Opposed by Brahmins Buddhism extended to Sri Lanka, Himalayan kingdoms, central Asia Thence to Burma, Java, southeast Asia, Tibet, China, beyond C. Imperial Patronage and Social Change Merchants, artisans benefit Women's status improves Monasteries spread Stupas Ashoka’s Death Successors less competent Division follows By 185 B.C.E. , empire ended

10. V. Brahminical Recovery and the Splendors of the Gupta Age A. Three religions compete Buddhism Loses popular appeal: Monastic isolation, scholarship Serve wealthy Association with international trade As trade declines, so does Buddhism Hinduism Widens appeal Individual worship More frequent, humble offerings Shiva, Vishnu, Kali, Lakshmi dominate Temples more common More participation: all castes, women somewhat Adopts Buddhism Brahmins appeal to elites Upanishads The Gupta Empire

11. V. Brahminical Recovery and the Splendors of the Gupta Age B. The Gupta Empire Gupta family By 4th century C.E. , build empire Allow autonomy of elites A Hindu Renaissance Brahmins restored as royal supporters Educate elite Stimulate artistic, scientific rebirth Hindu temples Urban centers Stimulate urban growth Literature and the Sciences Kalidasa Poet Mathematics Zero, decimals, "Arabic" number system Medicine Hospitals, surgery

12. V. Brahminical Recovery and the Splendors of the Gupta Age C. Intensifying Caste and Gender Iniquities Distinctions more rigid Status of women reduced No longer allowed to read the Vedas Permanent legal minority Female infanticide more common in some regions The Pleasures of an Elite Life Four stages of ideal life Youth: study, diversion Householder, raise sons, increase family position Ascetic, meditation Holy life Lifestyles of the Ordinary People More freedom for lower-caste women Festivals, social gatherings D. Gupta Decline Hun invasions, 400s C.E. Local rulers profit Fragmentation