Magadhan ascendancy Flashcards
1
Q
Magadhan ascendancy
A
- Political activity in the 6th–5th century bce centered on the control of the Ganges valley.
- Magadha had an excellent geographic location controlling the lower Ganges and thus drew revenue from both the fertile plain and the river trade.
- Access to the delta also brought in lucrative profits from the eastern coastal trade. Neighbouring forests provided timber for building and elephants for the army. Above all, nearby rich deposits of iron ore gave Magadha a lead in technology.
- Bimbisara had been one of the earliest Indian kings to emphasize efficient administration, and the beginnings of an administrative system took root.
- After the death of Ajatashatru (c. 459 bce) and a series of ineffectual rulers, Shaishunaga founded a new dynasty (see Shaishunaga dynasty), which lasted for about half a century until ousted by Mahapadma Nanda.
2
Q
Campaigns of Alexander the Great
A
- The northwestern part of India witnessed the military campaign of Alexander the Great of Macedon, entered Gandhara and campaigned successfully across the Punjab as far as the Beas River, where his troops refused to continue fighting.
- A significant outcome of his campaign was that some of his Greek companions—such as Onesicritus, Aristobulus, and his admiral, Nearchus—recorded their impressions of India
- Alexander established a number of Greek settlements, which provided an impetus for the development of trade and communication with western Asia.
3
Q
The Mauryan empire
A
- accession of Chandragupta Maurya (reigned c. 321–297 bce) is significant in Indian history because it inaugurated what was to become the first pan-Indian empire.
- The Mauryan dynasty was to rule almost the entire subcontinent, as well as substantial parts of present-day Afghanistan.
4
Q
Chandragupta Maurya
A
- Chandragupta overthrew the Nanda power in Magadha and then campaigned in central and northern India.
- The result was a treaty by which Seleucus ceded the trans-Indus provinces to the Maurya and the latter presented him with 500 elephants
- treaty ushered in an era of friendly relations between the Mauryas and the Seleucids, with exchanges of envoys
- Chandragupta became a Jain toward the end of his reign
5
Q
Bindusara
A
- second Mauryan emperor was Bindusara, who came to the throne about 297 bce
