Detailed+Lesson+Plans+and+Activities+for+the+Mauryan+and+Gupta+Empires+Unit


 * Essential Questions: **
 * 1. What conditions are necessary for the unification of a region? **
 * 2. What is India’s contribution to political, geographical, technological knowledge in the ancient world? **
 * 3. How does leadership impact a nation? **
 * 4. What effect does religion have on governance? **

= Day 1: = = Quiz: Answer the following questions in two paragraphs on a separate piece of paper. = 1. What is the significance of the Indus River Valley civilization in Ancient India? What does it teach us about early civilizations in India? You must include at least 3 specific things that were discovered in the Harappan valley AND what it means in terms of how advanced civilization was in India over 4000 years ago! (4 pts)

2. What evidence is there that Aryans (Indo-Europeans) influenced the development of India? What evidence is there against it? Which perspective do you agree with more and why? (3 pts)

= = = Today's Activities: = = Do Now: What makes a good leader? Give an example of a good leader who fits this criteria. =

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 * Leaders in the Mauryan Empire: Ashoka and Chandragupta **

The Mauryan Empire: (Ashoka) media type="custom" key="25019266"media type="custom" key="25019366"
 * Movies about Ashoka and Chandragupta can be found below and under day 2. **

[|Chandragupta Maurya summary article]

[|Gupta Empire Powerpoint]


 * Acticity 1: Introduce Debate! Who was the better leader, Ashoka or Chandragupta? Research and record information to support a point in a debate!**

Use the sections from the Jensen book to help you learn about the Mauryas and Guptas: [|The Rise of Empires in Ancient India] and [|this presentation]

Here are more links: [|indianmirror.com] [|Indianhistory.info] [|Good Powerpoint] (only view up to slide 17)

I also have a few other textbooks in the room with good information about Ashoka and Chandragupta in addition to the Jensen book.

Find other resources on your own. Remember, the more information you have access to, the better argument you will be able to make. If you only use the resources on this page, your classmates will have a good idea of what you are going to say. Try to be more surprising!


 * Homework: Prepare for debate!**

= Day 2: Time to research and prepare for debate = Presentations to help you: As you watch each movie answer the following in your notes (you will use this to study for your take-home test!)

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1. To what extent did BOTH Chandragupta and Asoka contribute to the culture of the Mauryan Empire?

2. To what extent should the Gupta Empire be known as the golden age of India? What significant accomplishments were made during this period?

= Day 3: Debate! = Topic: Ashoka was a better leader than Chandragupta Affirmative: agree with above statement

[|Informal Debate Structure]

Reflection: Your grade for the debate will be based on your personal response to the following: Who was the better leader, Ashoka or Chandragupta? You must support your answer using your own research and notes from the debate. You will turn this in by the end of class today!

[|Reflection Paragraph Rubric]


 * Homework: Review pp 94-114 in Jensen a****nd answer the following: (Note: If you have trouble downloading Jensen, this website also has information about the [|Gupta Empire])**
 * 1. How did the Mauryan Empire change under Ashoka? Compare his ruling style to that to Chandragupta. (you don't need to write this again, just make sure you understand the leadership styles of both Indian rulers)**
 * 2. How did** **the religious beliefs of Ashoka and Chandragupta shape their leadership style?**
 * 3. What developments took place during the age of trade (200 BC -200 AD)?**
 * 4. Why is the Gupta age called the classical age of India? Give examples of specific things that happened during this time in India.**

= Day 4: National Museum Field Trip! = Pay special attention to Harrappan, Mauryan and Gupta artifacts.


 * Homework:**
 * [|Study Guide for Geography and Ancient India Test]**
 * Also, make sure you know where all of the states of India are located!**

= Day 5: Ancient India and Geography Test! Note: You will get a chance to improve your states of India score if you need to. =

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 * Optional: What Ancient India did for us (video about cool inventions and discoveries made in ancient India)**