Classical Imperial India: Expansion & Collapse
A. The Mauryan Empire (324 b.c.e.–184 b.c.e.) Agricultural & iron production 2. Mauryan Empire founded by Chandragupta -Kautilya: a Machiavellian Brahmin & advisor -wrote book of political statecraft -network of spies 3. Imperial government: -large army -25% percent tax on all goods
5. most famous Mauryan emperor: Ashoka (r. 269–232 b. c. e 5. most famous Mauryan emperor: Ashoka (r. 269–232 b.c.e.) - shaken by carnage in brutal war & converted to Buddhism - inscribed Buddhist policies throughout empire on rocks & pillars ( “rock edicts”) - built extensive roads
B. Commerce & Culture The Mauryan empire collapsed in 184 b.c.e. due to: political fragmentation Economic development: creation of guilds & merchants Cultural developments: creation of epic Indian literature: Ramayana Bhagavad Gita
C. The Gupta Empire (320 c.e.–550 c.e.) 1. Gupta Empire conquered north & central India, lead by Chandra Gupta II -iron deposits, state monopolies, 25% agricultural tax army controlled core of empire, but provincial administration left to governors (hereditary) lack of military force created “theater-state” - redistributing wealth from trade & elaborate ceremonies
4. Achievements: - math & astronomy - invented our “Arabic” numerals - concept of “zero” - Chinese monk Faxian’s travel journal through Gupta India Women’s rights: NO inheritance or property… treated like lowest varna - married very young - widow may be required to burn herself on her husband’s funeral pyre (sati)
6. dominated by Hinduism & classic form of Hindu temples Gupta India linked by extensive trade networks 550 c.e Gupta empire collapsed under rule of local princes & financial burden of defense against HUNS
Extensive Trade: 4th c. spices silks cotton goods rice & wheat spices Out of India: cotton, rice, wheat, & SPICES Into India: horses, gold, ivory, silk, & spices silks cotton goods rice & wheat spices horses gold & ivory gold & ivory cotton goods
500 healing plants identified Printed medicinal guides Gupta Achievements 1000 diseases classified 500 healing plants identified Printed medicinal guides Kalidasa Literature Plastic Surgery Medicine Inoculations Gupta India C-sections performed Solar Calendar Astronomy Mathematics Decimal System The earth is round PI = 3.1416 Concept of Zero
ROMANS, HAN & GUPTA Economic Social Political