Chapter 3 (B) - The Mauryan and Gupta Empires
Overview of Empires
Mauryan Empire (321-184 BCE)
Gupta Empire (320-550 CE)
Page 1: Timeline of Empires
Maurya (321-184 BCE)
Gupta (320-550 CE)
Page 2: Fragmentation of India
By 600 BCE, 16 kingdoms claim parts of India.
Magadha emerged as the most powerful kingdom.
Another empire, the Mauryan, took about 300 years to emerge.
Page 3: Nanda Empire
Fourth century BCE: Nanda Empire controlled much of India.
Overthrown in 322 BCE by the Mauryan Empire.
Pages 4-18: Geographic and Political Landscape
Map Overview: Detailed map showing various regions, kingdoms, and cities of the empires.
Mauryan Empire (322-232 BCE):
Conquests by three significant rulers: Chandragupta, Bindusara, and Ashoka.
Starting location of the Mauryan Empire in regions of modern India.
Page 5: Mauryan Capital Cities
Major cities: Pataliputra, Mathura, Prayaga, included in the Mauryan safeguard.
Page 6: Establishment of the Mauryan Empire
Founded by Chandragupta Maurya around 321 BCE.
First Indian political unification.
Benefited from Alexander the Great's invasion creating political instability.
Page 7: Chandragupta Maurya
Successfully defeated Greek forces and formed a treaty with Seleucus, marrying his daughter (after alexander the great’s death).
Capital located at Pataliputra.
Page 8: Political Advisory and Governance
Chandragupta's advisor, Kautilya, played a crucial role.
Authored the Arthashastra, focusing on statecraft and strategy.
Later in life, Chandragupta embraced Jainism and retired.
Page 9: Bindusara
Ruled approximately 297-273 BCE.
Maintained and expanded territory while keeping relations with Greeks.
Civil war followed Bindusara's death, leading to Ashoka's rise.
Page 10: Ashoka the Great
Ruler from 268-232 BCE.
Expanded the empire significantly and embraced Buddhism post the Battle of Kalinga.
100,000 men died in the battle
Over 8000 war elephants used
His policies promoted non-violence, tolerance, and welfare, establishing a legacy that influenced future generations.
Pages 19-24: Mauryan Bureaucracy and Edicts
Established a centralized bureaucracy for effective governance and trade.
Ashoka's Edicts, inscribed on pillars, communicated laws and Buddhist teachings throughout the empire.
Page 25: Transition to Gupta Empire
Transition from Mauryan rule to Chandragupta I establishing the Gupta Empire (c. 320 CE).
Notable for cultural amalgamation, possibly influenced by Hellenistic cultures.
Page 26-31: Gupta Rule and Expansion
Chandragupta I (320-ca. 330 CE): Created the empire through conquest and alliances.
Samudragupta (ca. 335-375 CE) continued expansion across regions like Ganges, ruling tributary states.
Chandragupta II (ca. 375-415 CE): Supported arts and the growth of Buddhist and Jain culture.
Page 32: Decline of Gupta Empire
Gupta rule ended around 550 CE due to Hun invasions.
Brief revival under Harsha but no unified rule thereafter.