Ancient rulersempires of India The Aryans l Many

Ancient rulers/empires of India

The Aryans l Many believe Aryans wiped out Harappan civilization ? ? ? Aryans conquered different people throughout the peninsula l Established new civilization in the Indus Valley & the Ganges Plain l

Aryans had no written language at first, developed over time l Spoken language, Sanskrit, became dominant Indian language l Aryans had many epics, long poems that celebrated their heroes l When written language developed, epics, stories, and religious rituals organized into Vedas, or holy books for Hinduism. l

Order The Aryan invaders established a social class system called the caste system that set up rules for different people. l 5 social classes emerged in Indian society: they ate, married worked and worshipped within their own “caste” l

Maurya/Ashoka’s Empire l l l 324 -183 BCE Northern India, Pakistan, Afghanistan & Ganges plain Led by Chandragupta Maurya Empire was divided into provinces ruled by governors appointed by the king Army & secret police; ruthless Hinduism & Buddhism practiced

Asoka’s Rule & Achievements l Ruler Asoka converted to Buddhism & l Built hospitals for humans and animals l Expanded trade l Planted trees/rest stops l Wrote Asoka’s edicts (laws) carved on pillars l Spread Buddhism across India & China l Asoka’s death led to disunity

Gupta Dynasty Gupta = Golden Age (Time of peace and prosperity) Dates: 320 -400 CE Location: N. & Central India Founder: Chandragupta II

Society l Tolerance of Buddhism l Trade w/ China, S. E. Asia and Mediterranean. Exported Cotton, pottery and metal ware l No taxes l Great Literature: Sanskrit language written Vedas and Bhagvad Gita, poet Kalidasa

Achievements/Learning l Mathematics: l Decimal system, l Concept of zero, l Arabic Numerals l Medicine: l Vaccine for small pox l Surgery: set bones, repair facial injuries l Herbal remedies

l Art & Architecture: l Domed Stupas: large shrines surrounded by walkways and gardens l Stone Carvings: intricate details l Painting rich wall murals of daily life

Decline l Invasion by the Huns!!! Mongols from central Asia take over.