1. India 1500BCE-550CE

3. The Vedic Age 1500-500BCE Vedas-main source of info. from the pd.
Basis for Indian civ. developed

4. Aryan invasions probably introduced the caste system
After 700BCE, several groups revolted against this system

5. Buddhism Centered on the individual, not gods, priests, or rituals
Rejected caste system
Realization of truth through self-discipline and meditation
Reward was Nirvana

6. Hinduism
Evolved from Vedic tradition AND as a reaction to the challenge of Buddhism (4th c. B.C.E.)
Characteristics:
-Less emphasis on sacrifice
-More personal
-Different gods took prominence
-Regionally diverse

7. Classical India 321BCE-550CE

9. Mauryan Empire
Warrior Maurya rose to power in the wake of Alexander (4th c. B.C.E.)
His grandson Ashoka extended the empire and unified India
Conquered in 184 BCE-500 yrs. of disunity followed

10. Ashoka’s Buddhist Proselytism

11. Symbol of Ashoka’s rule,symbol of modern India

12. Modern flag of India featuring the “Ashoka Shakra”

13. The Gupta Empire Considered India’s “golden age”
Founded by Chandra Gupta in 4th c.
Not as centralized or extensive as Mauryan
Hindu tradition developed
Collapsed in 550 CE due to Hun attacks

14. Chitragupta Temple

15. Saranath Buddha

16. Numerals, concept of “0” developed XVII + 17+ XXXVIII+ 38+ III+ 3+
LVIII
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Which is easier??