In this Grade 6 Pengi Social Studies lesson from Chapter 4: Ancient India, students examine the reign of Asoka and how his conversion to Buddhism shaped the Maurya Empire through his Edicts on religious tolerance and non-violence. Students then explore the Gupta Empire's Golden Age, analyzing landmark achievements in mathematics — including the concept of zero and decimals — as well as advances in astronomy, medicine, and literature.
Section 1
Asoka's Conversion and Edicts
Asoka, ruler of the Maurya Empire, turned away from violence after a bloody battle and converted to Buddhism. He replaced rule by force with moral law.
He erected stone edicts (pillars) across his empire promoting religious tolerance, non-violence (ahimsa), and the well-being of his people. He also built roads, dug wells, and established hospitals, creating a legacy of peace.
Section 2
A Monk's Diary: A Primary Source
Historians learn about the past through primary sources. During the Gupta Empire, a Chinese Buddhist monk named Fa-hsien traveled through India.
He kept a detailed diary, writing that the government was fair and the people were prosperous. His account provides evidence that the Gupta era was truly a "Golden Age" of stability and happiness.
Section 3
The Gupta Golden Age: Science and Math
The Gupta Empire sparked a Golden Age in arts and sciences. Mathematicians developed the concept of zero, the decimal system, and the numerals we use today (Hindu-Arabic numerals).
Scientists made advances in astronomy (proving the earth was round) and medicine (using herbs, setting bones, and performing skin grafts). In literature, epic poems like the Mahabharata were completed.
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Section 1
Asoka's Conversion and Edicts
Asoka, ruler of the Maurya Empire, turned away from violence after a bloody battle and converted to Buddhism. He replaced rule by force with moral law.
He erected stone edicts (pillars) across his empire promoting religious tolerance, non-violence (ahimsa), and the well-being of his people. He also built roads, dug wells, and established hospitals, creating a legacy of peace.
Section 2
A Monk's Diary: A Primary Source
Historians learn about the past through primary sources. During the Gupta Empire, a Chinese Buddhist monk named Fa-hsien traveled through India.
He kept a detailed diary, writing that the government was fair and the people were prosperous. His account provides evidence that the Gupta era was truly a "Golden Age" of stability and happiness.
Section 3
The Gupta Golden Age: Science and Math
The Gupta Empire sparked a Golden Age in arts and sciences. Mathematicians developed the concept of zero, the decimal system, and the numerals we use today (Hindu-Arabic numerals).
Scientists made advances in astronomy (proving the earth was round) and medicine (using herbs, setting bones, and performing skin grafts). In literature, epic poems like the Mahabharata were completed.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter