preview

What Are The Four Regional / Continent Wide Empires In South Asia

Decent Essays

1. What are the four Regional/Continent wide Empires in South Asia
The four regional/continental wide empires in South Asia were the Mauryan, Gupta, Kushan, and Bactrian Empires.

2. Which leader supported Buddhism? Which empire supported Hinduism?
Ashoka Maurya supported Buddhism. The Gupta Empire supported Hinduism.

3. What major texts were codified during this period?
The Vedas, Mahabharata and Ramayana were the major texts that were codified during this time period.

Key Concepts: Each of these events happened one after the other. It all started with the growth of states and empires, which may have occurred after a successful expansion through war. After the growth of the empire, trade routes were established, which lead to a more advanced level of communication to other neighboring states. With more communication with other civilizations, religious ideas and culture were spread.

1. Identify and explain 1 way outside forces laid the groundwork for the Mauryan Empire?
Around the time of 500 BCE, the Magadha Empire emerged as the most important state in northeastern India. In the following two centuries, the kings of Magadha conquered their neighboring states, gaining control of Indian commerce passing through the Ganges valley. In late 320 BCE, Chandragupta Maurya seized small regions of Magadha and then gradually worked his way toward the center. From there, the Mauryan Empire expanded under Chandragupta and Ashoka’s rule.

2. Why were the older Vedic Practices no longer appealing to the people of South Asia? Explain
The older Vedic Practices were no longer appealing to the people of South Asia because Buddha and the Buddhist monks avoided the use of Sanskrit, the literary language of the Vedas, because they preferred vernacular tongues that reached a much larger popular audience.

3. Explain the two features that lead to the creation of contemporary/popular Hinduism during this time?
Popular Hinduism drew inspiration from the Vedas and Upanishads. Popular Hinduism evolved into a faith that met the needs of the people and addressed their interests.
The epic poems, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Bhagavad Gita developed Hindu values. Ramayana is a love and adventure story between Sita and her

Get Access