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