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.