By Mr. Zindman

1. By Mr. Zindman Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2,Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

2. Section 1: The Geography of India The Big Idea: Indian Civilization first developed on the Indus River. If you were there…Yourfamily are farmers in the Nile Valley. Your people are nomadic herders in southern Asia about 1200. BC. You live in the river valley with plenty of water and grass for your cattle, you spend your time learning songs and myths from the elders. They say these words hold your people’s history. One day, it will be your duty to teach them to your children. Why is it important to pass on these words? Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

3. Building Background Like Mesopotamia and Egypt, India was home to one of the world’s first civilizations. Like other early civilizations, the one in India grew up in a river valley. But the society that eventually developed in India was very different from the ones developed elsewhere. Ancient city discovered by archeologists in India. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

4. Section 1: The Geography of India India is located in the continent we call Asia. It juts out from the center of the southern part of the continent. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

5. Landforms and Rivers Geographers call India a subcontinent because it is so big. A subcontinent is a large land mass that is smaller than a continent. A subcontinent is usually separated by physical features such as mountains. (see the map on slide 4) Among the mountains od northern India are the Himalayas, the highest mountains in the world. To the west are the Hindu and Kush. It was hard for invaders to cross these mountains to invaded India. To the west of the Himalaya mountains was a vast desert. Much of the other parts of India is covered in fertile plains and rugged plateaus. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

6. Climate Most of India has a hot and humid climate. The climate is heavily influenced by India’s monsoons. A monsoon is a seasonal wind pattern that cause wet and dry seasons. In the summer monsoon winds cause heavy rains from the Indian Ocean causing terrible floods. Some parts of India receive 100-200 inches or rain during that time. In the winter winds blow down from the mountains. These winds create warm and dry winters. Drawing Conclusions: How do you think the monsoons affected life in India? Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

7. Harappan Civilization Historians call the civilization that grew up in the Indus Valley the Harappan (huh-RA-puhn) civilization. As irrigation and farming improved surpluses of food were produced. Towns and cities soon appeared in India. A statue of a bull from the Harappan culture Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

8. India’s First Cities The Harappan civilization was named after the modern city of Harappa (huh-Ra-puh), Pakistan. The greatest sources of information we have about Harappan civilization are the ruins of two large cities., Harappa and Mohenjo (moh-HEN-jhoh Dar-oh.) These cities were 300 miles apart but they were remarkably similar. Mohenjo Daro-The City today Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

9. Harappa and Mohenjo (moh-HEN-jhoh Dar-oh) were well planned cities. Each stood near a towering fortress. From these fortresses defenders could look down at the city and see down the streets , storehouses, workshops, market stalls, and houses. Both cities had many public wells. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

10. Harappan Achievements Harappan civilization was very advanced. Most houses had bathrooms and indoor plumbing. Artisans made excellent pottery, jewelry, cotton clothing, and ivory objects. They used high-quality tools and a system of measurements and weights. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

11. Harappans developed India’s first writing system. • However, scholars have not yet figured out how to read this language. Historians think the Harappan's had a king and a strong central government, but they are not absolutely sure. Harappan society ended in the 1700s BC. , but no one knows why. Perhaps invaders or a natural disaster destroyed their society. • Reading Check, Analyzing-Why don’t we know much about Harappan civilization? A Harappan Priest Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

12. Aryan Migration • Not long after the Harappan civilization crumbled, a new group arrived in the Indus valley. They were called the Aryans. (AIR-ee-uhnz.) They were originally from an area near the Caspian Sea in Central Asia. Over time they became the dominate group in India. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

13. Arrival and Spread • The Aryans first arrived in the 2000s BC. Historians believe they crossed into India through the mountain passes in the northwest. Over many centuries they spread east and south into central India. • Much of what we know about Aryan society comes from religious writings known as the Vedas (VAY-duhs). Vedas are a collection of poems, hymns, myths, and rituals written by Aryan priests. The Tree of Life- A fig tree. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

14. Government and Society • As nomads, the Aryans took along their herds of animals as they moved. But over time they settled in villages and began to farm. Unlike the Harappans, they did not build big cities. • Unlike the Harappans, the Aryans lived in small communities based on family ties. No single ruling authority existed. Instead each group had their own leader, often a skilled warrior. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

15. Aryan villages were ruled by rajas(RAH-juhz). • A raja was a leader that ruled a village and the land around it. Villagers farmed some of the land for the raja. They used other sections of the land for pastures for their cows, horses, sheep, and goats. • Some rajas did not get along. They fought each other. Other times they would join forces to fight a common enemy. Aryan warrior Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

16. Language • The first Aryans could not read or write. Because of this they had to memorize poems, hymns, and other important works. • The language in which the Aryan’s composed was called Sanskrit. The most important language in India. • First Sanskrit was a spoken language, soon afterwards it became a written language as well. It became a major source of record keeping. Sanskrit is no longer used today, but it was to root of many South Asian languages today. • Reading Check, Identifying- What source provides much of the information we have about the Aryans? Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

17. Section 2: Origins of Hinduism The Big Idea: Hinduism, the largest religion in India today, developed out of ancient Indian beliefs and practices If you were there…Yourfamily are skillful weavers who make beautiful cotton cloth. You belong to the class of Aryan society who are traders, farmers, and craftspeople. Often the raja of your town leads the warriors into battle. You admire their bravery but you know you can never be one of them. children. To be an Aryan warrior you must be born into that noble class. Instead you have your own duty to carry out. How do you feel about remaining a weaver? Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

18. Indian Society Divides • As Aryan society becomes more complex, the society became divided into groups. These groups were divided by a persons occupation or job. Strict rules developed about how these groups could interact. As time passed these rules became stricter and central to Indian society. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

19. The Four Varnas • According to the Vedas, their were four main Varnas, or social divisions, I Aryan society. These varnas were: • Brahmins( BRAH-muhns), or the priests, • Kshatriyas (KSH-tree-uhs), or the rulers or warriors, • Vaisyas(VYSH-yuhs), or farmers, craftspeople, and traders and • Sudras(SOO-drahs), or laborers and non-Aryans The Brahmins were seen as the highest ranking because they performed rituals for the gods. (The next slide has a quick fact chart on the Varnas.) Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

20. The Varnas-Quick Facts Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

21. The Caste System • As the Aryan rules of interactions between the varnas become even more stricter, Aryan society become more complex. In time the four Varnas were divided into many castes or groups. • The caste system in India divided society into groups based on a person’s birth, wealth, or occupation. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

22. The caste system determined a persons place in society. • The caste system was not permanent. For example, a person could gain wealth and power and move up the caste system. • Both women and men belong to castes. Early in the Aryan period women had the same rights as men. They could own property and receive an education. As time went on laws were passed to limit these rights for women. • By the late Aryan period their was a group of people that did not belong to any caste. This group was called the untouchables. They could only hold certain, often unpleasant jobs. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

23. Caste Rules • To keep the classes separated, or distinct, the Aryans developed sutras, or guides which listed all the rules of the caste system. For example, people could not marry anyone from a different class. It was forbidden for people from different classes to eat with one another. If you broke the rules, you could be banned from your home or caste. Because of these rules people spent time only with people in their same class. • Drawing Inferences: How did a person become a member of a class? Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

24. Brahmanism Religion was a very important of Aryan life. • Aryan priests were called Brahmins. Their religion was called Brahmanism. Vedas • Aryan religion was based on the four Vedas Each contained sacred hymns and poems. The oldest passage called the Rigveda, was probably written before 1000 BC. Here is an example of a hymn passage, praising Indra, a god of the sky and war: Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

25. Later Vedic Texts • Over the centuries the Aryan Brahmins wrote down their thoughts in the Vedic texts. One collection of Vedic texts described religious rituals. For example, it describes how sacrifices should be preformed. Animals were place on a fire. The Aryans believed the fire would carry their offerings to god. • Another text described the secret rituals that only certain people cold perform. • Reading Check: What are the Vedic texts? Vedic texts Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

26. Hinduism Develops • Vedic texts became the basis for Indian religion for centuries. Over time these texts began to blend together with other cultures. People from Persia blended their religious ideas with India. • The blending of religion of India and Persia eventually became Hinduism, the largest religion in India today. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

27. Hindu Beliefs The Hindus believed in many gods. Among them are three major gods: Bramathe creator, Siva the destroyer, and Vishu the preserver. • Hindus believed that each god was part of single universal spirit called Brahman. • Reading Check: Who were the three main Hindu gods? Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

28. Life and Rebirth • According to the Hindu teachings, everyone has a soul or atman inside them. This soul holds a persons personality. It makes them who they are. • The Hindus also believed that after death souls are born and reborn many times, each time in a new body. This process is called reincarnation. • Reading Check: According to the Hindu belief, what happened to a person’s soul after death? Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

29. The Impact Today More than 800 million people in India practice Hinduism today! Hinduism and the Caste System • According to the Hindu traditional view of reincarnation , a person who has died is reborn into a new physical form. • The type of form depends of their karma, the effects that good or bad actions have on a person’s soul. • A person with bad karma will be born ta lower caste of life. In contrast, a person with good Karma will be born into a higher caste in life. A Hindu temple of Kandraya, built in Central India around 1000 A.D. The temple is covered in carvings of Hindu gods. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

30. Hinduism taught that each person had a dharma, or a set of spiritual duties to fulfill. • In order to be reincarnated, a person must fulfil their dharma. Fulfilling one’s dharma, preserves a persons station in the caste system. • Another important idea of Hinduism is ahimsa(uh HIM sah) or non-violence. • Hindus respected all living things, this is why they do not eat meat. • Reading Check: Summarizing- What determined how a person would be reborn? Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

31. Groups React to Hinduism • Not everybody agreed with the beliefs of Hinduism. Other people looked for new religious ideas. Two such groups were the Jains (JYNZ) believers in Jainism (JY-niz-uhm), and Skikhs(SEEKS), believed in Sikhism (SEEK-izuhm). Jainism Jainism is based on the teachings of a man named Mahavira, who is believed to have been born around 599 BC. • His basic principles emphasize: injure no life, tell the truth, do not steal, and own no property. Jains practiced non violence or avoidance of violent actions. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

32. Sikhism • Sikhism has its roots in the teachings of the Guru Nanak, who lived in the AD 1400’s. • Nanak blended the teachings Hinduism with the beliefs from Islam. Sikhs believe in on god .The believe the ultimate goal is to be reunited with god after death. • Reading Check: Finding the Main Idea- What are the two religions that developed out of Hinduism? Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

33. The Practice of Hinduism • Hinduism teaches that there is more than one path to truth., because of this belief Hinduism allows its followers to worship in many ways. Many Hindus know yoga. Yoga is a system of special breathing exercises that help free the soul from man. • Yoga followers follow selfless deeds such as giving to the poor. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

34. Section 3: Origins of Buddhism The Big Idea: Buddhism began in India and became a major religion. If you were there…You are a trader in Northern India about 520 BC. As you pass through town you see a crowd of people sitting silently under a shaded tree. A man standing at the foot of the tree begins to speak about how one ought to live. His words were nothing like the Hindu priests. Will you stay and listen? Why or why not? Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

35. Siddhartha’s Search for Wisdom • In the late 500s BC, a man dissatisfied with the Hindu religion began to ask his own questions about life and religious matters. In time he found answers. These answers attracted many followers and started a new religion in India. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

36. The Quest For Answers • The restless man as Siddhartha Gautama (si-DaHR-tuh GAU-tuh-muh).Sidharta was a prince grew up in great wealth and luxury. Still he was unhappy with the problems his people faced and he searched for answers. He felt something was missing in his life. Siddhartha wanted to know why people had to work and suffer. He began to ask questions on the meaning of human life. Before Siddhartha reached the age of 30, he left his family to look for answers. This quest took him on a long journey through India. Wherever he traveled he talked with the people and priests. Yet no one could answer his questions on the meaning of life. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

37. The Buddha Finds Enlightenment • Siddhartha did not give up, he became more determined to find answers. Siddhartha wanted to free himself of his daily needs. • Siddhartha started fasting, or going without food. He dedicated his time to meditation, or the focusing the mind on spiritual ideas. • After wandering for seven years he meditated under a tree and the answers to life came to him. This tree became known as the Tree of Wisdom. • Siddhartha's ideas were: • Wanting what we like but do not have • Wanting to keep what we like and already have, and • Not wanting what we dislike but have. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

38. Siddhartha was about 35 years old when he found enlightenment under the tree. • Impact of Today: Buddhists from all over the world still travel to India to visit the Tree of Wisdom and honor Buddha. • From that point on, he be called the Buddha(Boo-duh), or the “Enlightened One.” • For the rest of his life he would travel across Northern India teaching people his ideas. • Reading Check: What did Buddha conclude about the cause of suffering? Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

39. Teachings of Buddhism • As Buddha traveled he gained many followers. He even taught his views to a few kings. • The followers of Buddha were the first believers in Buddhism, a religion based on the teachings of the Buddha. • Buddha was a Hindu, he believed that people should act morally and treat others well. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

40. The Four Noble Truths • At the heart of Buddha’s teachings were four guiding principles. These became The Four Noble Truths: • No one can escape suffering and unhappiness, it is part of human life. • People cause their own misery when the desire material goods. • People can overcome their desires and ignorance when they reach • People can overcome ignorance and desire by following the eight fold path that leads to wisdom, enlightenment, and salvation. nirvana (nir-VAH-nuh), a state of perfect peace. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

41. Challenging Hindu Ideas • Some of Buddha’s teachings challenged the ideas contained in the Vedas, such as animal sacrifices. The Buddha challenged the ideas from the Brahmin priests. He said rituals were not necessary, it is the responsibility of each individual to work to their own salvation. He said people that fail to reach nirvana will be reborn over and over again until they reach it. The Buddha were opposed to the caste system. Everyone that follows the eight fold path will reach nirvana, no matter what caste you belong to. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

42. Buddha’s support against the caste system was supported from the masses of people. It made people feel they had the power to change their lives! By the time of Buddha’s death, around 483 BC, his influence was spread throughout India. • Reading Check: Comparing- How did Buddha's teachings agree withy Hinduism? Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

43. Buddhism Spreads • Buddhism continued to attract followers after Buddha’s death. After spreading to India, the religion began to spread to other areas as well. Buddhism Spreads in India • After Buddha died his followers wanted to make sure his teachings were remembered. In the years following his death his followers spread his teachings throughout India. Within 200 years Buddha's teachings were all throughout India. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

44. Buddhism Spreads Beyond India • Buddhism spread beyond India in the 200s BC after one of the most powerful kings, King Asoka, became Buddhist. King Asoka built great Buddhist temples and built schools throughout India. • King Asoka sent Buddhist missionaries became Buddhist. King Asoka built great Buddhist temples and schools throughout India. • Asoka sent Buddhist missionaries, or people who work to spread their religious beliefs, to other kingdoms in India. • Many missionaries went to parts of Central Asia and Persia to spread the teachings of Buddhism. Some missionaries went as far as Egypt. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

45. Buddhism eventually spread via the Silk Road into China, then to Korea, and Japan. Through their work missionaries taught Buddhism to millions of people. A Split Within Buddhism • As Buddhism spread not everyone could agree on the beliefs or practices. This caused a split of Buddhism into two separate branches-Theravada and Mahayana. The Theravada followed Buddha’s teachings exactly as it said. The Mahayana followers followed an interpretation of Buddha's beliefs. • Reading Check: Sequencing- How did the Buddhism spread from India to other parts of Asia? Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

46. Section 4: Empires of Ancient India The Big Idea: The rise of the Maurya Empire had an affect on the people of India. Around 321 B.C. a new ruler came into the throne of northeastern India. The tiny kingdom had grown into the giant Maurya (MOWR-yuh) Empire. Chandragupta(chundruh GUP tuh) Maurya founded India’s Maurya Empire. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

47. The new ruler rose from a slave to rule the Maurya Empire. He often was carried in a golden chair or sometimes he rode an elephant. The Rise of the Maurya Empire Chandragupta was guided by the basic belief in absolute rule. He commanded huge armies containing thousands of foot soldiers. His soldiers were ready to enforce his laws. Under Chandragupta, his empire enjoyed great economic success in trade and farming. Near death, he left his throne to his son. And became a monk, fasting and praying. Chandragupta’s leadership brought order and peace to his people. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

48. Asoka’s Leadership Asoka was Chandragupta’s grandson. Leadership was passed down to Asoka who built the greatest empire India had ever seen in 273 B.C. to his people. The Battle of Kalinga About 261 B.C. ,After the Battle of Kalinga, thousands of people died in war. Asoka was filled with sorrow after the battle and he gave up his warlike ways and violence. He freed prisoners and restored their land. Later he changed his beliefs to Buddhism. He spread the word of Buddhism throughout his empire. Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

49. The Buddhist Ruler Asoka followed the Buddhist teachings. He did not allow animal sacrifices. He gave up hunting, the traditional sport of Indian Kings. Instead he had hospitals built around the kingdom and he had wells dug every mile. So no person or animal would go thirsty. He asked people to honor their parents. Asoka preached tolerance, or the freedom from prejudice. He practice religious tolerance to the Hindus. Eventually his teachings spread to Korea and Japan. • Reading Check:How Asoka spread Buddhism? Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

50. Coins from the Gupta Empire The Gupta Empire After Asoka died, the Maurya Empire weakened and spit into smaller states. For centuries India faced internal conflicts and foreign invasions. However in A.D. 320, the Gupta dynasty rose to power. Under the Gupta Empire, India enjoyed a rich culture. Indians invented the techniques of painting cloth. Hindu scholars studied philosophy. They studied Kalidasa (kah lee DAH suh), one of the greatest Indian writers of all time. • Reading Check:How did learning advance under the Guptas? Common Core Standard: Reading Informational Texts R.I.8.2, Key Ideas and Details. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.