India and China Establish Empires 400 B.C.-AD.550

Section 1: India’s First Empires

Chapter Opener Asoka: The Buddhist King of India Asoka: The Buddhist King of India Buddhism turned Asoka, the bloodthirsty king of ancient India’s Mauryan Empire, into a peace-loving ruler after remorse for a bloody victory.

Alexander the Great 326 B.C. he brought the Indus Valley in the northwest under Macedonian Control. 326 B.C. he brought the Indus Valley in the northwest under Macedonian Control. Seleucus I, one of Alexander the Great’s generals had inherited part of Alexander's empire. Seleucus I, one of Alexander the Great’s generals had inherited part of Alexander's empire.

The Mauryan Empire is Established Chandragupta Maurya Seizes Power Chandragupta Maurya Seizes Power In 321 B.C. Chandragupta Maurya seizes power from an unpopular nanda king, starts Mauryan EmpireIn 321 B.C. Chandragupta Maurya seizes power from an unpopular nanda king, starts Mauryan Empire Chandragupta Maurya Unifies North India Chandragupta Maurya Unifies North India Chandragupta defeats Seleucus I; north India is united for the first timeChandragupta defeats Seleucus I; north India is united for the first time Chandragupta uses high taxes to support his large armyChandragupta uses high taxes to support his large army

The Mauryan Empire is Established Running the Empire Running the Empire Chandragupta’s chief adviser is Kautilya, a priestChandragupta’s chief adviser is Kautilya, a priest Kautilya wrote a rulers handbook called the Arthasastra.(spying on the people, and political assassinations were some of those polices)Kautilya wrote a rulers handbook called the Arthasastra.(spying on the people, and political assassinations were some of those polices) Chandragupta creates a bureaucratic governmentChandragupta creates a bureaucratic government He divides the government to make it easier to ruleHe divides the government to make it easier to rule

The Mauryan Empire is Established Life in the City and the Country Life in the City and the Country A Greek ambassador, Megasthenes, writes glowing praise of the empireA Greek ambassador, Megasthenes, writes glowing praise of the empire Chandragupta’s son rules from 301 to 269 B.C., (32 years)Chandragupta’s son rules from 301 to 269 B.C., (32 years) Aŝoka—Chandragupta’s grandson, brings the empire to its heightAŝoka—Chandragupta’s grandson, brings the empire to its height Mahabodhi Temple, site of first temple built by Asoka (3 rd century B.C.) on spot of Buddha’s enlightenment. Bihar, India

The Mauryan Empire is Established Asoka Promotes Buddhism Asoka Promotes Buddhism After a bloody war with Kalinga, Asoka promotes Buddhism and peaceAfter a bloody war with Kalinga, Asoka promotes Buddhism and peace Preaches religious toleration—accepting people of different religionsPreaches religious toleration—accepting people of different religions Builds roads, with wells along themBuilds roads, with wells along them

A Period of Turmoil The Breakup of the Mauryan Empire The Breakup of the Mauryan Empire Asoka dies in 232 B.C.; kingdoms in central India soon break awayAsoka dies in 232 B.C.; kingdoms in central India soon break away The Andhra Dynasty dominates central India for centuriesThe Andhra Dynasty dominates central India for centuries Northern India receives immigrants from Greece and other parts of Asia fleeing political instability.Northern India receives immigrants from Greece and other parts of Asia fleeing political instability. These people introduced new languages and customs to the Indian culture.These people introduced new languages and customs to the Indian culture. Tamils—a people living in southern India— remain separate and frequently war with rival peoples.Tamils—a people living in southern India— remain separate and frequently war with rival peoples.

The Gupta Empire is Established Chandra Gupta Builds an Empire Chandra Gupta Builds an Empire Chandra Gupta marries into kingship in north India in A.D. 320, takes the title, Great King of kings. Starts Gupta Empire—India’s second empire; flowering of Indian civilization, especially Hindu culture (see next slide) His son Samudra Gupta expands empire with conquest

Radha and Krishna in the grove. Painting (about 1780)

The Gupta Empire is Established Historians have info. on Daily Life in India Historians have info. on Daily Life in India Majority of Indians are farmers; entire family raises crops togetherMajority of Indians are farmers; entire family raises crops together Families are patriarchal—headed by the eldest maleFamilies are patriarchal—headed by the eldest male Farmers have to contribute work to government and pay heavy taxesFarmers have to contribute work to government and pay heavy taxes Some Tamil families are matriarchal— led by mother rather than fatherSome Tamil families are matriarchal— led by mother rather than father

The Gupta Empire is Established Height of the Gupta Empire Height of the Gupta Empire Chandra Gupta II rules from A.D Chandra Gupta II rules from A.D He defeats the Shakas and adds western coast to empire allowing them to grow with trading opportunities.He defeats the Shakas and adds western coast to empire allowing them to grow with trading opportunities. Gupta Empire sees flourishing of arts, religion, and scienceGupta Empire sees flourishing of arts, religion, and science After Chandra Gupta II dies, the empire declinesAfter Chandra Gupta II dies, the empire declines

New Invaders Hunas, related to the Huns Hunas, related to the Huns The nest 100 years the Gupta Empire broke into small kingdoms. The nest 100 years the Gupta Empire broke into small kingdoms. Many were overrun by the Hunas Many were overrun by the Hunas The Empire ended about 535. The Empire ended about 535.

Two Main Faiths in India Hinduism Hinduism Complex polytheistic religion that blended with Aryan belief with the many gods and cult of the diverse people.Complex polytheistic religion that blended with Aryan belief with the many gods and cult of the diverse people. Buddhism Buddhism Teaches that desire caused suffering and the humans should overcome desire by following the Eightfold Path.