The Maurya Empire was first ruled by Chandragupta, a very mean but very powerful ruler. When he died, his grandson, Asoka, took over the throne. He was a Buddhist, so he believed in non-violence. His rule was full of peace and prosperity. When he died, however, Maurya began to decline.

The Gupta Empire time is known as the "Golden Age". It was a period of great cultural achievement. Rulers left a lot of power in the hands of individual villages and city governments. The Indians made advances in learning during this period as well. The White Huns eventually invaded and ended the Gupta Empire.

Maurya and Gupta Empires