1. Mauryan Empire 326-184 BCE Persian & Greek rule in NW
50 mil, large military, bureaucracy,
short-lived
United by:
Chandragupta Maurya
Ashoka (Maurya’s grandson)
Rock edicts (Recorded his ideas)
Converted to Buddhism
enlightened
Empire falls apart after his death
Greek-influenced Buddha

2. No empires until the Gupta Empire 320-550 CE
Similar to W. Europe after fall of Rome
No major imperial/regional rule
Trade
Textiles, spices
Math, science, astronomy
Hinduism & Buddhism

3. Gupta Empire 320 CE-550 CE Chandra Gupta Smaller than Mauryan Empire
Forged alliances with powerful families in Ganges River valley
Smaller than Mauryan Empire
Ashoka-more hands-on; Gupta-let local gov’ts rule
Invaded by White Huns in NW
Weakened Gupta Empire
Only an empire in name
Mostly regional kingdoms until Mughal
Empire in 16th cen.