India’s First Empires Ch. 6, Sec. 3 Vocabulary DynastyStupapilgrim

The Mauryan Dynasty India’s first empire arose after Alexander the Great left India. –________________________--Indian prince who founded first Indian empire. Called the _______________________ in 321 B.C. Dynasty—_________________________________________________. He set up a centralized govt. Maintained a strong army, spy system, and postal system. Historians believe ______was greatest king. He was an unusual ruler—was strong military leader, but came to hate bloodshed. After one bloody battle, he walked battlefield and was horrified. Made a vow from then on, he would live a peaceful life and follow Budhism. Was history’s first Buddhist king.

Mauryan Dynasty Asoka did many things for people: Built hospitals (people & animals), new roads, put in shelters along road to rest, sent teachers throughout India & Asia to teach Buddhism. Had tolerance for those practicing Hinduism. Empire grew weak after Asoka’s death. Following kings made bad decisions & Mauryan Empire fell. After 500 years of fighting (and no ruler), another Chandragupta took power—founded the ________ dynasty. –When Chandragupta died, son, ________________ took over & expanded empire. –Gupta’s ruled nearly 200 years & grew wealthy from ________ with China & kingdoms in southeast Asia & Mediterranean. –__________ were people who often used trade routes to visit religious shrines/sites.

Gupta Dynasty & Literature/Science Pilgrims responsible for making cities wealthy like tourists make cities wealthy today. Guptas were _______ & made Hinduism official religion. Gave money to support Hindu scholars & shrines. During Gupta Empire, ________________ of art & learning occurred. Indian Literature and Science ______ of India are ancient hymns & prayers used in religious ceremonies. The Vedas were recorded in Sanskrit once the Aryans arrived. Other types of literature written down later on: _______--Mahabharata and Ramayana, which are still famous in India today. Each tells about warriors and their brave deeds.

Literature and Science Mahabharata is longest poem in any written language!!! About 88,000 verses!!! Many different authors wrote it about a great war for control of the Indian kingdom. ____________ was writer living in Gupta Dynasty. His poem, The Cloud Messenger is one of most popular Sanskrit poems. Aryabhata was a __________ who lived during the Gupta dynasty. He was one of first known scientists to use algebra. –Indian mathematicians also developed idea of _______ & symbol to represent it. –Explained the concept of _________--something w/o an end. –Gupta mathematicians created symbols for #’s 1-9 we use today. European traders borrowed them from Arabs & replaced Roman numerals in A.D. 1200’s.

Literature and Science Early Indians invented algorithms = series of steps that solve a problem. Today, computer programmers use algorithms. Also developed ideas in _________ & _________. Mapped movements of planets & stars. Invented medical tools. Even carried out early form of plastic surgery (worked to restore damaged noses).