Maurya Empire
Who founded the Maurya Empire?
Chandragupta Maurya
Which ruler founded the Gupta Empire?
Chandragupta I.
Which Chinese dynasty began construction on the Great Wall?
The Qin Dynasty.
What major trade network expanded during the Han Dynasty?
The Silk Road.
Which religion did Ashoka embrace after the Kalinga War?
Buddhism.
What was the Arthashastra, and how did Chandragupta use it?
A guide to political strategy and governance that helped him rule his empire.
Why is the Gupta period often called the Golden Age of India?
Because of its cultural, artistic, and scientific achievements.
What was one way the Qin Dynasty unified China?
It standardized systems such as measurements, currency, writing, or weights.
What was the purpose of Emperor Wudi's monopolies on salt and iron?
To give the government control over these important industries and generate revenue.
Which philosophy emphasized respect for elders, family relationships, and social order?
Confucianism.
Who was Chanakya (Kautilya), and what role did he play in the Maurya Empire?
He was Chandragupta's advisor who helped him gain and maintain power and develop strategies for governing.
What conditions helped the arts and sciences flourish during the Gupta Empire?
Peaceful conditions and political stability provided opportunities for growth.
Why did Qin rulers burn books?
To suppress ideas that challenged the government's authority and prevent opposition to Qin rule.
What scientific instrument invented during the Han Dynasty was used to detect earthquakes?
The seismograph.
Which philosophy teaches that people should live in harmony with the natural world and follow the Dao?
Daoism.
What event caused Ashoka to reconsider his approach to ruling and warfare?
The violence and suffering of the Kalinga War.
What role did Hinduism play in Gupta society, and how were other religions treated?
Hinduism was influential and prominent, but other religions, including Buddhism, were generally tolerated.
Which philosophy believed that humans are naturally selfish and need strict laws and punishments?
Legalism.
How did Confucianism influence the policies of Han Dynasty rulers?
It encouraged education, respect for authority, social order, and government officials who were guided by moral values.
How are Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism different? Identify one central belief of each.
Buddhism emphasizes overcoming suffering and reaching enlightenment; Confucianism emphasizes social harmony and proper relationships; Daoism emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao and nature.
How did Ashoka's policies change after the Kalinga War? Give two examples.
He embraced Buddhism, renounced further wars of conquest, and promoted peace and moral behavior through his policies and edicts.
Explain why the Gupta Empire's achievements were significant enough to earn it the title 'Golden Age.'
Its period of stability supported major advances in art, culture, science, and learning.
How did standardization help Qin Shi Huang strengthen and unify China?
It made communication, trade, administration, and government control more consistent across the empire.
How did the Silk Road benefit the Han Dynasty and later China?
It expanded trade, connected China to other regions, and encouraged the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures.
A ruler believes that people are naturally selfish and that society needs strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain order. Which philosophy does this reflect, and why?
Legalism, because it views people as naturally selfish and supports strict laws and punishments to control behavior.