4. came to power in 321 BC. The empire reached its peak under Emperor Ashoka who converted to Buddhism in 262 BC. Ashokan edicts and pillars can be seen in Delhi, Gujarat, Orissa, Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh and at Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh. In 319 AD, Chandragupta II founded the Gupta Empire. The arts flourished during this period, with some of the finest work being done at Ajanta, Ellora, Sanchi and Sarnath.

5. 4th century A.D “Classical Age” of Ancient India Founded by Chandragupta I around 320 political control of the Ganges Valley

6. Satavahanas emerged with power in the 1st century founded by Simuka provided communication between the North and South

7. Mongol raids of the 1200’s, scholars and adventures go from Baghdad to India scholars helped create a brilliant civilization in India Art and architecture flourished 1398 invasion thousands of artisans enslaved and marched off to build Samarkand Northern India separated into Hindu and Muslim states

11. Civil war drained Mughal resources. Increased taxes caused peasant rebellions. Weak rules held the throne in the early and corruption became widespread

12. Akbar defeats Rana Pratap at Haldighat 1576 East India Company is formed 1600 Guru Gobind Singh and the Khalsa Taj Mahal is built Hyder Ali and Tippu Saltan (1761-1799) Battle of Plassey 1757

13. Original charter granted by Queen Elizabeth I on Dec. 31, 1600 which granted a monopoly of trade in East India First trading posts established 1610-1611 Company’s monopoly abolished 1831 Company was dissolved Jan. 1, 1874