The Classical Period, c. 600 BCE to c. 600 CE: 2.2: South Asian States and Dharmic Religions (Sources 1–9)

The center of these two empires lay in the eastern part of the Ganges plain, outside the realm of traditional Vedic religion, which was centered in its western part. (Source 3)

The degree of centralization, especially of the Mauryan empire, though weak by modern standards, was high enough to discontinue traditional rulership in the Vedic heartland. (Source 3)

A new genre of religious discourse began to emerge out of the Vedic religious world sometime between the seventh and the fifth centuries BCE, a body of doctrines known as the Upanishads. (Source 4)

A new genre of religious discourse began to emerge out of the Vedic religious world sometime between the seventh and the fifth centuries BCE, a body of doctrines known as the Upanishads. (Source 4)

Although they would eventually become part of Hinduism, these texts—orally transmitted, like the Vedas—questioned the efficacy of the formal sacrifice and introduced new, essential religious ideas, many of which would eventually be adopted by the Buddha... (Source 4)

...new, essential religious ideas, many of which would eventually be adopted by the Buddha: the cyclical idea of rebirth (samsara), the ethical law of cause and effect (karma), the concept of liberation (moksha) from the world of samsara through the path of asceticism, and the importance of calming the mind through meditation (yoga). (Source 4)

...new, essential religious ideas, many of which would eventually be adopted by the Buddha: the cyclical idea of rebirth (samsara), the ethical law of cause and effect (karma), the concept of liberation (moksha) from the world of samsara through the path of asceticism, and the importance of calming the mind through meditation (yoga). (Source 4)

...new, essential religious ideas, many of which would eventually be adopted by the Buddha: the cyclical idea of rebirth (samsara), the ethical law of cause and effect (karma), the concept of liberation (moksha) from the world of samsara through the path of asceticism, and the importance of calming the mind through meditation (yoga). (Source 4)

What is most important for the present context is to recognize that the Buddha and Buddhism arose out of this atmosphere of great religious flux, a sustained period of questioning the old religious and ritual values and practices. (Source 4)

What is most important for the present context is to recognize that the Buddha and Buddhism arose out of this atmosphere of great religious flux, a sustained period of questioning the old religious and ritual values and practices. (Source 4)

Everywhere, Ashoka made provision for two types of medical treatment: medical treatment for humans and medical treatment for animals. Wherever medical herbs suitable for humans or animals are not available, I have had them imported and grown. (Source 5)

Edict 7 (Pillar Edicts)
Beloved-of-the-Gods, Ashoka, said, “It occurs to me that in the past kings desired that the people might grow through the promotion of the Dhamma..." (Source 5)

Beloved-of-the-Gods, Ashoka, further said concerning this: “It occurs to me that I shall have proclamations on Dhamma announced and instruction on Dhamma given. When people hear these, they will follow them, elevate themselves and grow considerably through the promotion of the Dhamma.” (Source 5)

At intervals of eight krosas, I have had wells dug, rest-houses built, and in various places, I have had watering-places made for the use of animals and men. (Source 5)

But the creation of zero as a number in its own right, which evolved from the placeholder dot symbol found in the Bakhshali manuscript, was one of the greatest breakthroughs in the history of mathematics. (Source 7)

[T]here was no one umbrella over the vast territory of Northern India; and the Guptas rose in the space of a few generations from obscurity to overlordship of India from sea to sea. (Source 8)

In retrospect, the ascent of this family to supremacy seems phenomenal. (Source 8)

In retrospect, the ascent of this family to supremacy seems phenomenal. (Source 8)

[However, in] general, the king was more glorified and exalted in Gupta times. (Source 8)

The Gupta age provides the first well-documented instance of ramarajya, the Hindu conception of ideal government, in Indian history. (Source 8)