The Maurya Empire In this lesson, students will be able to identify characteristics of the Maurya Empire. Students will be able: Identify Chandragupta’s Mauryan, Asoka Explain the differences in the way they ruled Determine geographical locations in India Evaluate the decline of the Empire Answer DBQ questions

Aim: How did Chandragupta and Asoka shape the first Empires of India? Do you recognize which modern nation the Mauryan empire was located in?

Identify the 4 geographical features: Hint 3 bodies of water and one of the most famous mountain ranges.

I.The Mauryan Empire a.Many small kingdoms existed across India in 300s BC b.Each kingdom had own ruler; no central authority united them c.Magadha a dominant kingdom near Ganges d.Strong leader, Chandragupta Maurya gained control e.Began conquering surrounding kingdoms – Conquests led to founding of Mauryan empire

II- Chandragupta a.Harsh Ruler b.Heavy tax on all farmers who raised food c.Used money to create a large army d.Had a brutal secret police that reported crime and corruption within the empire e.Bureaucracy- A system of managing government though departments that are run by appointed officials f.Very beautiful cities

III. Achievements under Chandragupta: A. Megasthenes A Greek ambassador visited Mauryan Empire during Chandragupta’s reign Wrote about his observations Described land of prosperity Pataliputra (now Patna a city in India) Greatest city, Mauryan capital: magnificent palaces, temples, parks Government controlled economy Emperor owned land, rent money from farmers funded government

IV.Rule under Ashokabecame a.Chandragupta gave up throne, 301 BC, Jainist monk b.Son became emperor, followed by grandson Ashoka c.Mauryan empire reached height under Ashoka d.Kalinga campaign- Through warfare empire expanded, included most of India e.Violence of fighting at Kalinga appalled Ashoka f.Abandoned policy of conquest and converted to Buddhism g.Began to promote, spread policy of right conduct, Buddhism h.Supported Buddhist missionaries, worked to improve lives of his people

V. Collapse of the Mauryan Empire a.Mauryan empire began to decline following death of Ashoka, 232 BC b.Sons battled for power, central control weakened c.Distant provinces began to slip away d.Last Mauryan emperor killed by one of generals, 184 BC e.Mauryan empire lasted 140 years, then collapsed

Extension: Answer the following questions according to the time line: 1.When did Asoka die? 2.Whose reign began in 375 AD? 3.What is the oldest event shown on the timeline?