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The Mauryan Empire (c. 322–185 BCE)
The Mauryan Empire was the first to unify a large part of the Indian subcontinent, establishing a highly centralized government and experiencing a major religious shift.
Rulers and Key Events
- Chandragupta Maurya (c. 322–298 BCE): Founder of the empire, he defeated the Nanda dynasty with his advisor, Chanakya (also known as Kautilya). He also defeated the Greek forces of Seleucus Nicator. He is believed to have later adopted Jainism.
- Bindusara (c. 298–273 BCE): He expanded the empire southward and was known to the Greeks as “Amitrochates,” a translation of “Amitraghata” (slayer of foes).
- Ashoka (c. 268–232 BCE): The most famous Mauryan emperor. After the bloody Kalinga War, he converted to Buddhism. He spread its teachings (Dhamma) through rock and pillar edicts, where he referred to himself as “Devanampriya Priyadasi” (“Beloved of the Gods”). The Third Buddhist Council was held during his reign. His edicts, in scripts like Brahmi and Kharosthi, were deciphered by James Prinsep in 1837. Ashoka’s edicts also mentioned the independent Southern kingdoms of the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas.
Culture, Administration, and Sources
- Administration: Governed by the principles of Chanakya’s Arthashastra, a detailed treatise on statecraft.
- Art and Architecture: Known for monolithic stone pillars, like the Lion Capital of Ashoka, and the rock-cut Barabar Caves.
- Contemporary South India: This period overlaps with the early Sangam Age in Tamilakam, with the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas as major independent powers.
The Gupta Empire (c. 320–550 CE)
Often called the “Golden Age of India,” this era saw unprecedented advancements in the arts, sciences, and literature, along with a more decentralized administration.
Rulers and Key Events
- Chandragupta I (c. 320–335 CE): Founder of the dynasty, he started the Gupta era in 320 CE. His marriage to the Lichchhavi princess Kumaradevi was strategically important and celebrated on his gold coins.
- Samudragupta (c. 335–375 CE): Known as the “Napoleon of India.” His conquests are detailed in the Allahabad Pillar Inscription by his court poet Harisena. He was also a talented musician, depicted playing the veena on his coins.
- Chandragupta II (c. 375–415 CE): The empire reached its zenith under his rule. He took the title “Vikramaditya” and his court included the “Navaratnas” (Nine Jewels). The Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Faxian visited his court. The Iron Pillar of Mehrauli is often attributed to him.
- Kumaragupta I (c. 415–455 CE): Founded the great Buddhist university of Nalanda.
- Skandagupta (c. 455–467 CE): The last great Gupta ruler, he repelled the first invasions of the Hunas.
Culture, Art, and Key Sources
- Literature: A golden age for Sanskrit. Kalidasa wrote masterpieces like Shakuntalam and Meghaduta. Other works include Vishakhadatta’s Mudrarakshasa, Shudraka’s Mrichchhakatika, and the Panchatantra by Vishnu Sharma. The Mahabharata and Ramayana took their final form during this time.
- Science and Medicine: Aryabhata made key advances in mathematics and astronomy. Varahamihira was a brilliant astronomer, and the Sushruta Samhita is a foundational text on surgery.
- Art and Architecture: This period saw the birth of classical temple architecture. The murals of the Ajanta Caves and sculptures of the Ellora Caves were created under the patronage of the Vakataka dynasty, a contemporary power.
Contemporary Southern India and the Sangam Age
Economy: The Southern kingdoms had a thriving maritime trade with the Roman Empire.
Political Landscape: The Gupta empire never directly ruled the south. This era saw the rise of the Pallavas and Kadambas.
Sangam Period (c. 300 BCE–300 CE): A flourishing period of Tamil literature. Key works include the Tolkappiyam and anthologies like the Ettuthokai and Pattuppattu. The poems focused on Akam (love) and Puram (war/politics). Poets included Kapilar and Avvaiyar.
