Wednesday, May 2 , 2012

1. Wednesday, May 2, 2012 Agenda • Bell Assignment • Notes Ch. 4 Section 2 • Edicts of Asoka! • Next Test: Thursday!

2. Something to think about. . . . • When, if ever, should religious or philosophical beliefs of a ruler influence government policies?

3. Powerful Empires of India Ch. 4 Section 2 World History

4. What’s Happened in India? • Aryans have mingled with the Harrapans and created a new civilization. • Two religions have developed: Hinduism and Buddhism

5. Geography

6. Maurya Empire • The earliest empire created in India was known as the Maurya Empire. • The Maurya rulers controlled a vast area of India from 321 B.C. – 185 B.C. • The first ruler of the Maurya empire was Chandragupta.

7. Chandragupta • Chandragupta was the first ruler of the Maurya empire. • He was a harsh but effective ruler. • He maintained order through a well ordered bureaucracy (officials who oversaw tax collection, building of roads and harbors, state owned factories, etc.) • In addition, he had a secret police that reported corruption and dissent.

8. Asoka • After Chandragupta, the next notable ruler was his grandson Asoka. • In the beginning of Asoka’s reign, his leadership style was very similar to Chandragupta. • Asoka was well known for his military leadership, which added lots of territory to the Maurya Empire. • Eventually, Asoka became disgusted with war and violence and converted to Buddhism.

10. What is Buddhism? • A major religion that developed in India around 500 B.C. that emphasizes the respect for all life (human and animal) • It’s main belief is that life is filled with suffering and one must end suffering to find peace. • In order to end suffering, one must follow the Eightfold Path.

11. Eightfold Path • Right speech – Always use kind words. NO rude of hurtful words. • Right behavior • Right meditation • Right views – Having a positive outlook on life. • Right effort – Try to do your best • Right mindfulness – Always being aware of your actions. Be sure that they are good and honest. Resist evil thoughts • Right livelihood – find a job that is helpful than harmful to society. • Right goals – Having good intentions.

12. Asoka • Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism led to his recognition as the most honored emperor of the Maurya Empire. • His rule influenced the Maurya Empire in many ways: • He brought peace and prosperity and united the diverse people of the Maurya Empire. • He encouraged tolerance. • He built more roads to aid with transportation. • He erected stone pillars announcing the laws and a righteous government. • He helped Buddhism become a major religion in India, thus allowing it to spread into China and other surrounding areas. • He built hospitals to aid with medical treatment. • He limited Hindu animal sacrifices.

13. Pillar of Asoka

14. Bell Assignment • Read pg. 553 and answer questions 1 – 3!

15. Gupta Dynasty • After Asoka’s death, the Maurya Empire was thrown into turmoil, as rival princes fought for control of the empire. • Around 320 A.D. (500 years after Asoka), a new dynasty known as the Gupta dynasty gained control of India.

16. Golden Age of India • Because of the peace and prosperity that was brought back to India by the Gupta dynasty. The encouraged the building of Buddhist monasteries ,which were also used a schools. India enjoyed a golden age with many achievements. • The following were achievements of India: • Decimal system • Concept of zero • Small pox vaccine • stupas • murals