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The Maurya and Gupta Empires
The Mauryan Empire
• Around 323 B.C., a great empire emerged in northern India. It was known as the Maurya empire.
• A ruler by the name of Chandragupta conquered most of northern and central India.
• Chandragupta believed that a ruler must have absolute power, so he led an army of thousands of foot soldiers to enforce law and crush any revolts
• It was an colossal empire!
King Asoka• Chandragupta passed his
leadership down to his son, Asoka
• King Asoka was considered the greatest ruler of the Maurya Empire.
• He converted to Buddhism after witnessing the bloody battle of Kalinga
• King Asoka was religiously tolerant. He respected all religions.
• He improved roads, built hospitals, and sent missionaries throughout the empire to encourage education and spread Buddhism.
The Collapse of the Mauryan Empire
• The Mauryan empire began to weaken after the death of King Asoka.
• The last emperor was assassinated around 185 B.C.
• Five centuries of disorder followed.
Around 320 A.D.,another greatIndian empireemerged. It
was known asthe Gupta
empire.
The Gupta Empire
• The rulers of the Gupta empire encouraged peace, prosperity, and trade.
• The Gupta empire is considered a golden age of Hindu culture.
• A golden age is known as a time of peace, prosperity, and great achievements.
• Indian mathematicians discovered the concept of zero and the decimal system
Indian artists createdbeautiful works of artand great works of
literature were producedduring the golden age
Video – Maurya Empire