Historical Concepts and Empires

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social hierarchies

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the division of society by rank or class

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Mauryan Empire

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(321-185 BCE) This was the first centralized empire of India whose founder was Chandragupta Maurya.

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Gupta Empire

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Golden Age of India; ruled through central government but allowed village power; restored Hinduism

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Golden Age

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period of great cultural achievement

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geographic features of India

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Indus River Valley, Himalayan Mountains provides a barrier for the north from invaders, Monsoons brought wind to push you towards Africa on the water, Indian Sea Complex for trade, 'subcontinent'

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Buddhism

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the teaching of Buddha that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct and wisdom and meditation releases one from desire and suffering and rebirth

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Spread of Buddhism

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Founded by Siddhartha Gautama in the Himalayas. It was spread by monks who traveled to other countries to teach people the ways of Buddhism. The Silk Road brought the Chinese into contact with it. Each culture that made contact with Buddhism adapted it to their own needs

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Ashoka the Great

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grandson on Chandragupta Maurya; took Mauryan dynasty to its heights; converted to Buddhism and preached nonviolence

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Shi Huangdi (Qin Dynasty)

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'first emperor,' title the Qin ruler gave himself when he unified. Led by force and his punishments for crimes very severe. Divided China into 36 districts which were controlled by officials who were loyal to him. Standardized China's laws, writing, coins, weights, and measures. Improvements in building, transportation, crop irrigation, and trade. Made peasants pay heavy taxes and work for these projects. Had the Great Wall built to protect China from invaders. Died in 210 BC and harsh laws led to the downfall of the Qin dynasty.

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Legalism

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the belief that people were bad by nature and needed to be controlled