Transcript Mauryan Empire

India Unites:
The Mauryan and Gupta Dynasties
Aryan Age ends with Invasion of Darius
and Alexander
India begins to Unite
c. 400-300BCE
• Persia first
united NW India
under Cyrus
and Darius
c. 330 Alexander the Great conquered Persia
Greek empire failed when Alexander died
Now a native Indian Empire would begin.
The Mauryan Empire 321-180 BCE
Politics
• Founded by Chandragupta Maurya ( 324 to 301
B.C.)
• Increased centralized govt control over regional
kingdoms
• large army of 700,000
• secret police to watch for treason
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301 BCE gave up his throne to & became a Jain
monk (extreme Buddhism)
Ashoka Maurya
Ashoka 268-232 BC
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Most important ruler in ancient India
Brutal military commander who extended the Empire
throughout S. and E. India
Battle of Kalinga - 260 BC
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100,000 Kalingans died
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150,000 Kalingans driven from their home
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More died from disease & starvation in the aftermath of
the destruction brought on by the war
“What have I done?”
Ashoka and many Indian leaders converted to
Buddhism after this battle and became pacifists
He spent the rest of his life encouraging non-violence,
moderation and Buddhist principles to India
Asoka’s Buddhist
Rock and Pillar Edicts
spread Buddhist principles
scattered in more than 30 places in
India, Nepal,Pakistan, &
Afghanistan.
 Each pillar is 40’-50’ high.
helped bring order and unity to
India
Trade/Economy
Agricultural economy
•New canals and irrigation systems for trade and
agriculture.
•renovated major roads throughout India.
built towns for spinning & weaving textiles
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uniform system of currency, weights and measures
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Created provinces ruled by governors for tax
assessments and law enforcement
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Taxes rose over time to build Ashoka’s projects which
led to Empire’s fall at Ashoka’s death
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Increased trade by uniting India
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India traded silk, cotton, and spices to Mesopotamia,
China, Egypt and Rome
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Silver punch mark coin
Indian Agriculture
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State farms operated
and cultivated by slaves.
Grew Rice, Pepper,
Wheat, Barley, Mustard,
Sugar Cane, Medicinal
Roots
Religion
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Buddhism grows
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built thousands of Stupas for Buddhist followers.
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built Buddhist schools and universities
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the unnecessary eating of animals was abolished.
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Wildlife became protected including the first national parks
in the world
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promoted vegetarianism and built animal hospitals.
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Ashoka’s empire died out slowly after he died
The Sanchi Stupa (Buddhist temple)
by Ashoka
Similarities between Buddhist Stupas and
Pagotas
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Buddhism architecture spread from India when Buddhism spread
aver the next 1000 years
The Mauryan Empire at its Height
Social
• The Caste System limited social
opportunities & determined who
people could marry
• Families are patriarchal—headed
by the eldest male
• Laws limited women’s life and
abilities
 Sati was sometimes practiced
“Even a man in the grip of rage will not be
harsh to a woman, remembering that on
her depends the joy of love, happiness and
virtue” Mahabharata epic
Indian Population
•50 million people during Mauryan Empire
The Arts
transition from wood to stone in their
architecture and art
Ashoka's Pillars
Indian Stupa
After the Mauryans:
Regional Rule and the Rise of Jainism
and Buddhism
Regional Kingdoms and local rule 185 BCE to CE 300
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Northern India
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Hindu Kush civilizations
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Invading HUNS built new small regional kingdoms
Most powerful regional kingdoms for trade across the region and along the
Silk Road
Jainism grew in influence during this time of confusion since the
leaders pushing Hindu and Buddhism were weakened
Jainism – like Hindu and Buddhism
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Believe in karma, dharma and Moksha
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expected to follow five principles of living:
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Ahimsa: "non violence in all parts of a person -- mental, verbal and
physical."
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Satya: speaking truth; avoiding falsehood
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Asteya: to not steal from others
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Brahma-charya: (soul conduct); remaining sexually monogamous to one's
spouse only
Aparigraha: detach from people, places and material things. Avoiding the
collection of excessive material possessions, abstaining from overindulgence, restricting one's needs,