The Maurya and Gupta Empires

1
The Maurya and Gupta Empires

• In this lesson, students will be able to
  identify characteristics of the Maurya and Gupta
  Empires.
• Students will be able to identify and/or define
  the following terms
• King Asoka
• Gupta Empire
• Golden Age

2
Do you recognize which modern nation the Mauryan
empire was located in?
3
The Mauryan Empire

• Around 323 B.C., a great empire emerged in
  northern India. It was called the Mauryan
  empire.
• The rulers of this empire conquered most of
  northern and central India.
• It was a vast empire.

4
While there were many significant rulers, King
Asoka was the greatest ruler of the
Mauryan empire. King Asoka converted to
Buddhism after witnessing a particularly
bloody battle.
5
King Asoka

• King Asoka was the greatest ruler of the Mauryan
  empire. He converted to Buddhism after
  witnessing a particularly bloody battle.
• King Asoka was religiously tolerant. He
  respected all religions.
• He improved roads, built hospitals, and sent
  teachers throughout the empire to encourage
  education and spread Buddhism.

6
King Asoka was a religiously tolerant ruler. He
respected all religions. He ruled a vast empire
and he ordered the building of roads and
hospitals.
7
King Asoka encouraged teachers to spread Buddhism
throughout India and beyond.
8
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.

9
Around 320 A.D., another great Indian
empire emerged. It was known as the Gupta
empire.
10
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 a time of peace, prosperity, and
  great achievements.

11
During the Gupta empire, Indian mathematicians mad
e great advances. They discovered the concept of
zero and the decimal system.
12
The Golden Age of Hindu Culture

• The Gupta empire is considered a golden age of
  Hindu culture.
• Hindu mathematicians developed the concept of
  zero, the decimal system, and the concept of
  infinity.
• Great works of Hindu literature were produced.

13
Indian artists created beautiful works of art and
great works of literature were produced during
the golden age of Hindu culture.
14
Questions for Reflection

• Who was King Asoka and why did he convert to
  Buddhism?
• List three accomplishments of King Asoka.
• What is a golden age?
• Why is the Gupta Empire considered a golden age?
• List three accomplishments of Indian
  mathematicians during the Gupta empire.