The Maurya Empire

1
The Maurya Empire
2
The Rise of the Empire

• Chandragupta, a slave from India, eventually
  earned his freedom and became the first Emperor
  of ancient India.
• His armies conquered many small kingdoms and
  eventually united them.
• In only a few years, Chandraguptas power
  extended over most of northern and central India.

3
Absolute Power

• Chandragupta believed that all rulers should have
  absolute power. (Total control)
• To keep his thousands of foot soldiers, and
  subjects from rebelling against him, he had a
  secret army of spies who reported back to him.

4
Chandraguptas Legacy

• Although he was a harsh ruler, he brought his
  kingdom economic success by
• A. clearing land for many farms
• B. creating irrigation canals to bring water to
  the farms
• C. Gov. officials promoted crafts and mining.
• D. He built roads so traders could travel easier
  .

5
Leadership Passes On

• Chandragupta eventually passed the throne to his
  son and he became a monk in Southern India.
• Eventually his son died and Chandraguptas
  grandson Asoka took over the throne.

6
Asokas Leadership

• For more than 35 years, Asoka ruled the empire
  which included most of the Indian subcontinent.
• He was just like his warlike grandfather who
  continued to conquer new territories.

7
The Battle of Kalinga

• Early in his rule, Asoka led his army in to the
  state of Kalinga (261 B.C.).
• He won the bloodiest battle in which thousands of
  men were killed or wounded.
• The amount of suffering and bloodshed he had
  witnessed changed his view on life forever.

8
A Changed King

• After the battle, he gave up war and violence,
  freed all his prisoners, and restored their
  lands.
• Later, he converted to Buddhism and influenced
  most of his kingdom to become Buddhist as well.

9
The Buddhist Ruler

• He no longer allowed the use of animals for
  sacrifices, or hunting as a sport.
• Because of his concern for his people, he built
  hospitals even wells throughout his kingdom for
  thirsty travelers.

10
Continued

• He issued writings that encouraged tolerance
  (freedom from prejudice) and created laws that
  demanded humane treatment for all.
• He allowed Hinduism to remain, therefore many
  Buddhist ideas became part of Hinduism.

11
Asokas Legacy

• He had missionaries spread Buddhism to Eastern
  Asia. It became very poplualr in China.
• His Buddhist approach towards ruling made India
  united like never before.

12
After Asokas Death

• Without his leadership, his territories became
  divided and fought each other.
• The combination of fighting and foreign invasion
  eventually broke up the empire for good.
• It took 600 years for India to be united again.

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THE END