4.8.2

Objective: //Students will understand the accomplishments of ancient Indian Empires, and how cultural and religious diversity affected these empires.//
 * Chapter 8 Section 2** Pages 183-188 Ryan Skipp, Brian Akins, and Michaela Karlesses

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT [[file:Pd45-8.2.homework (1).docx]]Read and answer the questions to the following document.


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Ryan's Link on the Gupta Empire I choose an article on the Gupta Empire from ABC-Clio for my link. I found this article to be very informative and provided more information on the formation of the Gupta Empire, in addition to discussing the political and social systems in greater detail. For example, the textbook only briefly mentions the creation and placement of the empire formed of the by Chandragupta I. However, as explained in the unbiased and informative article published by the reliable organization ABC-Clio, the empire slowly gained territory over many years through the leadership of three different leaders. In addition, the textbook fails to mention the governmental structure of the Gupta Empire. Although the king ruled the territories, he did not have absolute power, and was a part of a socio-religious group that combined made decisions for the empire. In addition, the government had established law codes that protected personal property from others and enabled a tax system for landowners. Knowing this, it is easier to understand how the Gupta Empire managed to establish a golden age: the people of the Gupta Empire were not being ruled by a tyrant, and they were free to do what they chose without fear of losing their belongings, and they were protected by a well-armed army that was well funded by tax dollars. After reading and comprehending the information on this page, I had gained a more insightful view into the Gupta Empire, which I wanted to share with the class through my link.

Brian's Link on the Mughal Empire This article from the reputable source Facts on File, gives a detailed and precise account of the Mughal Empire, from the conquest of Babur to its decline. The article elucidates the successes and failures of rulers, including conquests and defeats. Details on Humayun's exile and return, along with other details, were covered in the article but not mentioned in the textbook. Also, the article explains the policies of religious tolerance instituted by Akbar and their benefits. The causes of the decline of the Mughal Empire, including a lack of religious acceptance, is a focus of the end of the article. Aurangzeb's territorial conquests expanded the Mughal empire to its largest extent. However, Aurangzeb also persecuted non-Muslims, leading to revolts and a weakening of the empire. The Facts of File article's summary of the Mughal empire is concise and detailed, while remaining easy to read. Information not found in the textbook abounds in the article.

[|Michaela's Link to the Mauryan Empire] This article from the world history timeline, provided me with a plentiful amount of facts and information regarding the glorious Mauryan empire. The web page entails the origins of the empire, the history of its famous rulers, the Mauryan government and religion, as well as the impact and significance of the empire, how the empire impacted the world and finally the decline. By splitting it up into these sections, the reader able to understand one component of the empire, bu the entirety of the significant kingdom. The webpage likes to argue that the empire's lasting impact on India as a country is very insignificant, but from observing the achievements and the methods king Chandragupta's grandson Asoka uses to spread Buddhism throughout Southeast Asia. The textbook always gives us basic information but no background. Aiding me and all of my questions, this site provided me with details in order for me to understand that this was more than just an empire. Backgrounds of Chandragupta and Asoka are included, as well as a map and timeline of the dynasty. Sources such as these provide a more detailed/visual image of the kingdom. In conclusion, this webpage is absolutely fitting for anyone researching this empire. This site proves that with detail, visuals, and multiple sections of information, that it is beneficial to have more information then just an ordinary textbook.

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The informative video I choose from Discovery Education provides a greater insight into the Mauryan Empire and its rule under the leader Ashoka that will benefit the class by enhancing their understanding of the Mauryan Empire and it’s rulers. The video mainly focuses on his use of elephants as a military tool, in addition to his superior military strategies. It is valuable to learn this information because it helps to provide a more clear understanding as to why the Mauryan Empire was successful in its many sieges, such as in the town of Kalinga. In Kalinga, Ashoka demonstrated his superior military power by traveling across rough terrain to arrive there and overtake the city. However, he was so successful in his campaign that he was horrified by the amount of destruction and death he caused that he renounced all violence and supported Buddhism. Although it at first his adoption of Buddhism might have seemed confusing for the class after only reading the textbook, the video helped to explain more clearly as to why a militarily superior kingdom would have renounced violence in order to support Buddhism and renounced violence. Through video reenactment and multiple visuals, the video explains the carnage that resulted from Ashoka’s military campaign, and the peace that resulted from it. Because of this, I found the video to be a valuable addition to our lesson that would help to further the class’s understanding of the Mauryan Empire.

3. Why did subsequent invasions and declines of empires in South Asia contribute to cultural diversity?