Indian Civilization

Question 1

Geography of South Asia

Answer 1

South Asia includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh & other countries

Home to more than 1.7 billion people = about 1⁄4 world population. Majority religions today: Hinduism & Islam

Question 2

The Nandas

Answer 2

Fl. ca 343-321 BCE. Mahapadama Nanda (r. ca 345-329 BCE) founder & greatest Nanda king. 1st imperial Ganges R. kingdom. Began in sudra/shudra caste & overthrew regional kshatriyas. Historical info comes in part from Hindu and Buddhist scripture & religious writing. Fearsome army of infantry, cavalry, & chariots

Question 3

The Mauryan Dynasty

Answer 3

Founded by Chandragupta Maurya (r. ca. 324-301 BCE). Supplanted the Nandas. First Indian dynasty to unite (most of) northern & southern India under one ruler. Known for efficient government. Regular contact with Hellenistic world

Question 4

Chandragupta Maurya

Answer 4

Founded Mauryan Dynasty, which ruled northern India and eventually expanded to include most of modern India. The brahmin advisor Kautilya (also Chanakya) was Chandragupta Maurya’s chief minister. Kautilya’s Artha-shastra emphasized economy, taxation, and security forces. Chandragupta became a devoted Jain later in life

Question 5

Ashoka Maurya

Answer 5

After a career of conquest by war, he turned to ‘conquest by dharma’. Became Buddhist & spread Buddhist teachings throughout India. Attempted to lead by Buddhist example

Question 6

The Bactrians

Answer 6

Descendants of Alexander the Great’s Greek troops. Founded Hellenistic kingdom in what is now Afghanistan. Filled void left by Mauryan decline in NW India. Culture was a blend of Greek, Indian, & Central Asian cultures. Height of power: ca. 250-150 BCE

Question 7

The Kushans

Answer 7

Chinese sources refer to them as subset of Yuezhi of Central Asia. They supplanted the Bactrians. Kanishka (r. ca 78-101 CE) was greatest Kushan king. Tolerated other religions but supported Buddhism. Considered major empire by Romans

Question 8

The Guptas

Answer 8

Founded by Chandragupta I (r. ca. 320-335; no relation to Chandragupta Maurya). Became largest most unified Indian state for centuries. Supported Hinduism, but tolerated other religions. Good map on pg. 181

Question 9

Samudragupta

Answer 9

Son of Chandragupta I. Fought against his relatives. Conquered Ganges River valley & expanded Gupta Empire from Bengal in east to Taxila (Pakistan) in west. He made some of the kings he defeated into Gupta vassals. Brahmin varna (caste); devotee of god Vishnu; helped restore Vedic/Hindu religion