India to the Mughul Empire

I. Introduction: the Mosaic of India

A. Invaders

B. Geography

II. Early Indian Empires

A. Mauryan Empire (322 BCE to 185 BCE)

1. Foundation by Chandragupta I

2. Asoka and the Principle of “Dharma”

B. Gupta Empire (320 CE to 550 CE)

- Chandragupta II

III. Cultural Developments in the “Aryanization Period”

A. Caste System

B. Hinduism

IV. The Delhi Sultanate (1192 CE to 1398 CE)

V. Founding of Mughal India

A. Babur (1483-1530)

B. Akbar (ruled 1556-1605)

VI. Conclusion: the Ruling Synthesis

Key Terms

Mauryan Empire

Aryanization Period

Brahmans and Kshatriyas

Vaishyas and Shudras

Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva

Krishna and Sufism

Delhi Sultanate

Babur

Akbar

Dini-i-Hahi

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