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Published byMadeleine O’Brien’ Modified over 8 years ago
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India Unites: The Mauryan and Gupta Dynasties
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Aryan Age ends with Invasion of Darius and Alexander
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India begins to Unite c. 400-300BCE Persia first united NW India under Cyrus and Darius
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c. 330 Alexander the Great conquered Persia Greek empire failed when Alexander died Now a native Indian Empire would begin.
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The Mauryan Empire 321-180 BCE
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Politics Founded by Chandragupta Maurya ( 324 to 301 B.C.) Increased centralized govt control over regional kingdoms large army of 700,000 secret police to watch for treason 301 BCE gave up his throne to & became a Jain monk (extreme Buddhism)
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Ashoka Maurya
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Ashoka 268-232 BC Most important ruler in ancient India Brutal military commander who extended the Empire throughout S. and E. India Battle of Kalinga - 260 BC 100,000 Kalingans died 150,000 Kalingans driven from their home More died from disease & starvation in the aftermath of the destruction brought on by the war “What have I done?” Ashoka and many Indian leaders converted to Buddhism after this battle and became pacifists He spent the rest of his life encouraging non-violence, moderation and Buddhist principles to India
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Asoka’s Buddhist Rock and Pillar Edicts spread Buddhist principles scattered in more than 30 places in India, Nepal,Pakistan, & Afghanistan. Each pillar is 40’-50’ high. helped bring order and unity to India
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Trade/Economy Agricultural economy New canals and irrigation systems for trade and agriculture. renovated major roads throughout India. built towns for spinning & weaving textiles uniform system of currency, weights and measures Created provinces ruled by governors for tax assessments and law enforcement Taxes rose over time to build Ashoka’s projects which led to Empire’s fall at Ashoka’s death Increased trade by uniting India India traded silk, cotton, and spices to Mesopotamia, China, Egypt and Rome Silver punch mark coin
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Indian Agriculture State farms operated and cultivated by slaves. Grew Rice, Pepper, Wheat, Barley, Mustard, Sugar Cane, Medicinal Roots
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Religion Buddhism grows built thousands of Stupas for Buddhist followers. built Buddhist schools and universities the unnecessary eating of animals was abolished. Wildlife became protected including the first national parks in the world promoted vegetarianism and built animal hospitals. Ashoka’s empire died out slowly after he died
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The Sanchi Stupa (Buddhist temple) by Ashoka
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Similarities between Buddhist Stupas and Pagotas Buddhism architecture spread from India when Buddhism spread aver the next 1000 years
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The Mauryan Empire at its Height
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Social The Caste System limited social opportunities & determined who people could marry Families are patriarchal—headed by the eldest male Laws limited women’s life and abilities Sati was sometimes practiced “Even a man in the grip of rage will not be harsh to a woman, remembering that on her depends the joy of love, happiness and virtue” Mahabharata epic
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Indian Population 50 million people during Mauryan Empire
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The Arts transition from wood to stone in their architecture and art Indian Stupa Ashoka's Pillars
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After the Mauryans: Regional Rule and the Rise of Jainism and Buddhism
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Regional Kingdoms and local rule - 185 BCE to CE 300 Northern India Invading HUNS built new small regional kingdoms Hindu Kush civilizations Most powerful regional kingdoms for trade across the region and along the Silk Road Jainism grew in influence during this time of confusion since the leaders pushing Hindu and Buddhism were weakened
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Jainism – like Hindu and Buddhism Believe in karma, dharma and Moksha expected to follow five principles of living: Ahimsa: "non violence in all parts of a person -- mental, verbal and physical." Satya: speaking truth; avoiding falsehood Asteya: to not steal from others Brahma-charya: (soul conduct); remaining sexually monogamous to one's spouse only Aparigraha: detach from people, places and material things. Avoiding the collection of excessive material possessions, abstaining from over- indulgence, restricting one's needs,
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