the gupta empire emerges in india....under the guptas, who ruled from a.d. 320 to about 540, india...

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Big Idea

The Gupta Empire emerges in India.

Essential Question

How did the Gupta’s bring about a Golden Age?

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Aim

• Describe the Golden Age of the Gupta Empire.

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Let’s Set The Stage…

Although many kingdoms flourished in central (middle) India, the

most powerful Indian states rose to its north. About 500 years after

the Mauryas, the Gupta dynasty again united much of India.

Gupta emperors organized a strong government that promoted

peace and prosperity. Under the Guptas, who ruled from A.D. 320

to about 540, India enjoyed a golden age, or period of great cultural

achievement.

• The Gupta Empire ruled parts of India from 320-

550 B.C.E.

• Gupta emperors organized a strong central

government but also gave great power to local

leaders.Government

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• These leaders were elected by traders and artists.

• In each village, a headman and council made

decisions for the village.

Government

• Chandragupta II was one of the most powerful

emperors of the Gupta empire.

• Chandragupta II ruled during the Golden Age of

India.

Chandragupta II

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• During his rule, Chandragupta II promoted

culture, art, mathematics, philosophy, religion and

astronomy.

Chandragupta II

• The village was the center of Indian life during

the Gutpa dynasty.

• Village life was governed by caste rules and

traditions.

Society

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• The Guptas followed the caste system.

• Castes are social groups that people are born into.

The Caste System

The Untouchables lived

harsh lives and were kept

apart from other members of

Gupta society.

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• Golden Ages require a lot of wealth.

• Wealthy families and the government provided

support to artists, scientists and mathematicians.

Money and Wealth

• Archaeologists have found many coins created by

the Gupta government.

• The coins show that the Gupta had the

technology and power to make them.

Money and Wealth

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• Producing gold coins also shows that the Gupta

Empire supported trading and their economy.

Money and Wealth

• Wealth and ideas passed along the Silk Road

(cultural diffusion) providing the money and ideas

necessary for Golden Ages.

Trading

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• Artistic and scientific achievements flourished

during the Gupta Dynasty.

Advances in Learning

• Indian mathematicians developed the concept of

zero (0) as well as the decimal system.

• Gupta mathematicians developed the system of

writing numbers that we use today.

Advances in Learning

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• Gupta doctors used herbs to treat illnesses.

• Doctors vaccinated people against smallpox one

thousand years before it was done in Europe.

Medicine

• Surgeons were able to set bones and repair facial

(face) injuries.

Medicine

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• Architects built stone temples for Hindu worship.

Architecture

• Buddhist architects constructed stupas.

Architecture

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• Stories and folk tales were created during

the Gupta dynasty.

Literature

• Eventually, Gupta India declined under the pressure

of weak rulers, civil war and foreign invaders.

• India split into many kingdoms and would see no

other great empire like those of the Mauryas or

Guptas for almost 1,000 years.

The Gupta Empire Declines

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Essential Question Answered

How did the Gupta’s bring about a Golden Age?

The Guptas brought about a Golden Age by

organizing a strong central government and

supporting artists, scientists and mathematicians.

The Guptas were successful traders on the Silk

Road and other trade routes.

Essential Question Answered

How did the Gupta’s bring about a Golden Age?

Artistic and scientific achievements flourished

during the Gupta Dynasty.

Indian mathematicians developed the concept of

zero (0) as well as the decimal system.

Doctors were able to treat illnesses and vaccinate

against diseases.

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Essential Question Answered

How did the Gupta’s bring about a Golden Age?

Architects also built beautiful temples for

worship and created great works of literature.

The Gupta era became known for its important

contributions to science, medicine, math,

architecture, art and literature.