India 1500BCE-550CE

The Vedic Age 1500-500BCE Vedas-main source of info. from the pd. Basis for Indian civ. developed

Aryan invasions probably introduced the caste system After 700BCE, several groups revolted against this system

Buddhism Centered on the individual, not gods, priests, or rituals Rejected caste system Realization of truth through self-discipline and meditation Reward was Nirvana

Hinduism Evolved from Vedic tradition AND as a reaction to the challenge of Buddhism (4th c. B.C.E.) Characteristics: -Less emphasis on sacrifice -More personal -Different gods took prominence -Regionally diverse

Classical India 321BCE-550CE

Mauryan Empire Warrior Maurya rose to power in the wake of Alexander (4th c. B.C.E.) His grandson Ashoka extended the empire and unified India Conquered in 184 BCE-500 yrs. of disunity followed

Ashoka’s Buddhist Proselytism

Symbol of Ashoka’s rule,symbol of modern India

Modern flag of India featuring the “Ashoka Shakra”

The Gupta Empire Considered India’s “golden age” Founded by Chandra Gupta in 4th c. Not as centralized or extensive as Mauryan Hindu tradition developed Collapsed in 550 CE due to Hun attacks

Chitragupta Temple

Saranath Buddha

Numerals, concept of “0” developed XVII + 17+ XXXVIII+ 38+ III+ 3+ LVIII+ 58+ ____________ ____________ Which is easier??