- divided into many kingdoms after the decline of the Maurya
- every kingdom had a Capitol, temples, and workshops
- had different languages and traditions all of the Deccan
- Hinduism and Buddhist along with Sanskrit blended with Deccan culture
- tolerated different religions

Kingdoms in the Deccan

Tamil Kingdoms

- occupied most of southern part of India
- rulers improved harbors for trade
- traded spices and textiles to Roman Empire
- when Roman Empire declined, Tamil traded more with China
- left rich and diverse literature
- writers told of the brutal wars, heroic actions, and fun occasions but still lived a normal life of a peasant and city life