Chapter 9

• What are the two influential empires that emerged in northern India during the classical period?

  The Mauryan and the Gupta empires
• What significant developments occurred in India between 520 BCE and 550 CE?

  Growth of long-distance trading networks, consolidation of cultural traditions, and promotion of significant religions
• What was the volume of manufacture and trade during this period?

  A high volume of manufacture and trade within regions as far as East China and the Mediterranean Basin
• What social traditions were consolidated during this period in India?

  Patriarchal families and caste distinctions, including sub-castes called jati
• What are the three salvation-based religions that emerged and spread during this time?

  Jainism, Buddhism, and popular Hinduism
• What geographical areas did the Mauryan and Gupta empires cover?

  • Most of India, except the southern tip of the Indian Peninsula
  • Mauryan Empire extended north to the Hindu Kush
  • Gupta Empire overlapped with the Mauryan Empire
• Who conquered northwest India in 520 BCE and introduced the Persian ruling pattern?

  Persian Darius
• What significant event did Alexander of Macedon accomplish around 327 BCE?

  He destroyed the Persian Empire in India
• What was Alexander the Great known for in military history?

  He was considered one of the greatest generals and military commanders
• What political situation arose in India after Alexander's departure?

  A political power vacuum occurred, leading to the rise of the kingdom of Magadha
• What economic strength set the kingdom of Magadha apart from other regions?

  Its agricultural strength
• Who was the significant ruler that expanded the kingdom of Magadha into the first unified Indian Empire?

  Chandragupta Maurya
• What manual did Chandragupta Maurya's advisor, Kautilya, write?

  The Arthashastra
• What was the primary focus of the Arthashastra?

  It discussed foreign policy, economics, and domestic policies
• What was Ashoka Maurya known for during his reign?

  He represented the high point of the Mauryan Empire
• What was a significant consequence of Ashoka's death for the Mauryan Empire?

  An economic crisis due to high costs of bureaucracy and military
• How did the Mauryan Empire attempt to address its economic crisis?

  By devaluing the currency to pay military salaries
• What was the result of the devaluation of currency in the Mauryan Empire?

  The military became discontent and eventually abandoned the empire
• What regional kingdom emerged in northwestern India after the Mauryan Empire?

  Bactria
• What was the significance of the Silk Road trade network?

  It linked China with India and the Near East, facilitating trade and cultural exchange
• What were the roles of the kingdom of Cush in maintaining the Silk Road trade network?

  • Oversaw the roads to ensure good condition for travel
  • Deployed guards to ensure safe passage for traders
  • Collected taxes on traded goods
• How did trade contribute to cultural activity during this period?

  Trade facilitated the exchange of ideas, religion, and cultural practices
• What was the primary reason for trade to occur according to the study material?

  Surplus of goods available for exchange
• What was the role of taxes in the kingdom of Cush's economy?

  Taxes on traded goods provided low investment for wealth generation
• What was the geographical extent of the Silk Road trade network?

  It connected regions from Greece and Turkey to China and India
• What were the key features of the Silk Road trade network?

  • Linked diverse cultures and economies
  • Facilitated trade of goods and ideas
  • Required maintenance and protection for safe travel
• What is one way traders could transport goods along the Silk Road?

  Traders could drop off goods at various points for other traders to continue transporting them.
• What significant path does the Silk Road connect?

  The Silk Road connects parts of Greece and Turkey to the coast of China.
• Which two kingdoms maintained large sections of the Silk Road?

  The kingdoms of Cush and Bactria maintained large sections of the Silk Road.
• Who founded the Gupta dynasty?

  Chandra Gupta founded the Gupta dynasty.
• What does decentralized leadership mean in the context of the Gupta dynasty?

  Decentralized leadership means that control was split among different groups rather than centralized in one individual.
• How did the Gupta dynasty's structure differ from the Mauryan Empire?

  The Gupta dynasty had a more decentralized leadership compared to the centralized Mauryan Empire.
• What led to the decline of the Gupta dynasty?

  The decline was caused by frequent invasions from the White Huns and regional disintegration.
• What was a significant economic development during the Gupta dynasty?

  There was a dense network of small workshops manufacturing goods in high demand.
• What types of goods were in high demand during the Gupta dynasty?

  Manufactured goods like textiles, metal products, and porcelain were in high demand.
• How did craftsmen benefit from trade routes during the Gupta dynasty?

  Craftsmen could receive orders from traders who would transport their goods, allowing them to focus on production.
• What was the purpose of the massive road-building projects under Persian rule?

  The purpose was to transport troops quickly and facilitate trade along the roads.
• What is the Royal Road associated with?

  The Royal Road is associated with the Achaemenid Persian Empire.
• What advantage did traders find in using the Indian Ocean for trade?

  Traders could avoid tolls and dangers associated with land routes.
• How did knowledge of wind patterns affect trade in the Indian Ocean basin?

  Knowledge of wind patterns allowed traders to sail efficiently and transport goods with smaller crews.