chapter 9 (India) Flashcards
Magadha
A dynamic kingdom located in the central portion of the Ganges plain. The lost important state in north eastern India
Megasthenes
A Greek ambassador. Diplomatic representative of Seleucid emperor. Portrayed India as a wealth land that supported a distinctive society with well-established cultural traditions
Chandragupta Maurya
An ambitious adventurer who laid the foundation got the Mauryan empire
Kautalya
A carful and systematic advisor who devised procedures for the governance of chandraguptas realm
Arthashastra
An ancient Indian political handbook. A manual offering detailed instructions on the uses of power and the principles of government
Kalinga
A major region in the east central part of the subcontinent. Only major region that remained independent of the Mauryan empire when Ashoka can to power.
Pataliputra
Ashoka’s alotten capital. A thriving cosmopolitan city.
Ashoka
Chandragupta Maurya’s grandson. Began his reign as a conqueror. Conquered kalinga in a bloody campaign in 260 BCE. Still much better known as a governor than a conqueror
Rock and pillar edicts
Ashoka communicated his policies throughout his realm by writing on stone formation and pillars
Bactrians
Greek speaking conquerors from Bactria. Ruled Northwestern India for almost 200 years after decline of Mauryan empire
Kanishka
Most prominent of the Kushan emperors
Chandra Gupta
Laid foundations for the new empire. Forged alliances with powerful families in the Ganges region and established a dynamic kingdom
White Huns
A nomadic people from Central Asia who occupied Bactria during the 4th century CE, and then prepared to cross the Hindu Kush mountains into India
Charvaka Sect
Believed that gods were imagination
Vardhamana Mahaivara/Jainism
JAINISM: Among the most influential of the new religions
MAHAVIRA: (“the great hero”) taught an aesthetic doctrine of detachment from the world. Expound his thought to a group of disciples who formed a monastic order to perpetuate his message.
