1. First Empires of India
Maurya and Gupta

2. Mauryan Empire
Streched 2,000 miles, politically uniting northern India
Arthasastra-a handbook that teaches how to hold a big empire together
Ruled by a king

3. Kings Chandragupta was the first king
Prosperous: palace with gold pillars and thrones, the capital had parks and busy markets
Asoka (grandson of Chan.) brought empire to greatest heights

4. Asoka’s Expansion Used war and violence to expand the empire
Spread Buddhism
Practiced non-violence and religious tolerance
Placed edicts (laws) throughout the empire
Built roads so that he could visit throughout India ex: wells, rent house and
trees for
shade
Empire broke
down after his
death

5. Gupta Empire After 500 years of invasion and turmoil Gupta took power
Sumdra (Gupta’s son) also used war to expand the empire

6. Daily Life under Gupta Most Indians lived in small villages
Most families were farmers, everyone worked
Hindu culture spread

7. Height of Gupta Empire Profitable trade with the Mediterranean
Experienced great achievements in art, literature, science, astronomy mathematics
MATH:
-concept of zero
-decimal system