1. Aim: Why no long-lasting empires in India?
China and the Roman Empire as the exceptions, not the rule

2. Roman Empire in 100 CE - most of this was held from 100 BCE - 400 CE

4. Under Dynastic rule in China 200 BCE - 200 CE; 600 CE - present

5. Maurya Empire ( BCE)

6. Gupta Empire CE

7. What is “India?” Four different geographical regions
North – mountainous Himalayas and Hindu Kush – nomadic
Central Plains – Ganges and Indus Rivers – agricultural, highly productive farming
Deccan plateau – mountainous, dry interior
Ocean-based trading cities on the coasts

8. Climate

9. Indian Ocean Trade: Western India faces Middle East and Africa; Eastern India faces Southeast Asia

10. Arabian Sea Culture; Bay of Bengal Culture

11. Indian Languages

12. Advantages of size Disadvantages of size
Larger tax revenues
More control over religious leaders
Trade and economic interaction easier
Disadvantages of size
Army movement to borders difficult
Reliance on other powerful elites for governance
Many different religions, cultures, languages, etc.

13. Disadvantages of size: Possible responses:
Army movement to borders difficult
Reliance on other powerful elites for governance
Many different religions, cultures, languages, etc.
Possible responses:
Road systems; water transport
Bureaucracies utilizing commoners
Tolerance