3.2 Empires of India p Big Idea: New Indian empires grew rich through trade and left lasting accomplishments.

400 B.C. India was divided (Hinduism vs. Buddhism = no political unity) New empires developed – Invaders – Persians, Greeks, Macedonians Indian people unify = Strong empires – Mauryan, Kushan, Gupta

Mauryan Empire Chandragupta Maurya -founder – drove out foreign invaders – Harsh, but effective – Secret police, large army- feared – Assassination Asoka – Great ruler – Converted to Buddhism – Rejected violence / preached tolerances – Expanded economy- major trade crossroads – Asoka’s death- empire collapsed.

Kushan Empire Nomadic warriors -moved through Northern India Controlled Trade Network – Silk Road Connected china to Rome Camel Caravans Luxury Items (Silk) – Dangerous road Persians overran Kush Empire

Empire of the Gupta Pushed out weak Kushan Kingdom Founder - Candra Gupta – Northern India – expanded as far as central India Golden age of India – Arts, Temples- Hindu and Buddhist Strong economy – Leaders owned-Silver / gold mines – religious trade – Traded China, Southeast Asia – along Mediterranean sea Downfall – nomadic Huns invaded from Northwest.

Indian Accomplishment Literature – Vedas-religious stories /prayers - tell about faith Mahabharata- longest poem (epic) – (Bhagavad Gita) – Ramayana- Rama fights to Save Sita Architecture – Pillar, Stupta, Rock chamber Science and Mathematics – Astronomy-movement of stars/ Rotation of earth on an axis/ earth revolved around the sun – Algebra, Concept of zero

Section 3-2 Review What was the 4000-mile transportation route stretching from China to Syria called? Silk Road The Mauryan Empire flourished under Asoka, who did what? Convert to Buddhism, set up hospitals and built up India’s role in regional trade

Section 3-2 Review What is the most famous section of the epic poem, the Mahabharata? Bhagavad Gita Silk was especially desired by who? The Romans What was the type of religious structure originally meant to house relics? Stupa

Section 3-2 Review Chinese merchants traded luxury goods for what? Woolen and linen clothes, glass, and precious stones Who was the famous Indian mathematician? Aryabhata By the late fifth century A.D., invasions by nomadic Huns did what? Reduced the power of the Guptas

Section 3-2 Review Who were the people who traveled to religious places? Pilgrims In the first century A.D., in Bactria, known today as Afghanistan, the Kushan kingdom did what? Prospered from trade along the Silk Road