India Unifies World History - Libertyville HS

Mauryan Empire ( BC) Native rulers of northern India were disorganized, petty and competing for dominance In reaction to invasion by Alexander the Great, local leaders banned together to resist Greeks Began consolidation into a centralized state

Mauryan Empire Over next 90 years, the Mauryan family emerged as dominant –Based in Ganges river valley –Conquered most of subcontinent –Recovered territory from Seleucids in the West

Mauryan Kings Chandragupta ( BC) –Threw out Seleucids –Recognized as Indian ruler by Egypt, Syria Ashoka the Great ( BC) –Grandson of Chandragupta –Completed conquest of subcontinent, NW into Asia

Mauryan Kings Ashoka –Converted to Buddhism after a particularly brutal war –Conversion encouraged spread of Buddhism Cultural diffusion (trade) Syria, Macedonia Didn’t “stick” in India –Ashoka ordered thousands of inscripted pillars throughout India Sayings, stories of Buddha written on them

Mauryan Culture Religious tolerance Respect for human dignity Government –Autocracy at national level –Democracy at village (local) level Caste divisions were well established –Idea was to promote unity within kingdom

Mauryan Culture Complex central government –Collected taxes –Encouraged trade –Maintained communications through road building program –Spy system throughout empire Planted banyan trees to give shade to travelers

Post Mauryan India (184 BC to 320 AD) Last emperor assassinated; empire fragmented Two religions worshipped: Hinduism & Buddhism Hinduism in form that would be recognized as modern Hinduism

Gupta Dynasty ( s AD) Ruled along Ganges River Valley Ushered in golden age of Hindu culture –Art, science, architecture flourished –Buddhism spread into China due to Chinese pilgrims visiting India

Gupta Empire Guptas directly ruled densely populated Ganges River Valley Indirectly ruled rest of subcontinent –Traded with Persians, Byzantines –Influence extended into SE Asia (Cambodia, Burma)

Decline of Gupta Empire Series of weak rulers Invaded by Huns –Conquered much of India –Eventually absorbed into dominant Indian culture Gupta empire ended in 550 AD w/ death of last king