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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

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Do you recognize which modern nationthe Mauryan empire was located in?

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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.

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While there were many significant

rulers, King Asokawas the greatest

ruler of the Mauryanempire. King Asoka

converted to Buddhismafter witnessing

a particularly bloodybattle.

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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.

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King Asokawas a religiously

tolerant ruler.He respected all

religions. Heruled a vast

empire and he ordered the

building of roadsand hospitals.

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King Asoka encouraged teachers tospread Buddhism throughout India and

beyond.

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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.

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Around 320 A.D.,another greatIndian empireemerged. It

was known asthe Gupta

empire.

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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.

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During the Guptaempire, Indian

mathematiciansmade great advances.

They discoveredthe concept of zero

and the decimal system.

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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.

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Indian artists createdbeautiful works of artand great works of

literature were producedduring the golden age

of Hindu culture.

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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.