The Maurya Empire started in the land of Magadha, led by Chandragupta around 320 B.C.

The Maurya Empire eventually collapsed and India was hit with 500 years of anarchy 

The Gupta Empire also started in the land of Magadha, but began in 320 A.D. 

The Gupta Empire was led by Chandra Gupta I

The Gupta Empire also brought 200 years of peace

A dynasty of Gupta Kings spread the empire throughout northern India as Gupta kings invaded lands and spread their reign

The Gupta Empire taxed the vanquished kings and allowed them to rule, but required a tax, or tribute, and total obedience from these defeated kings

Hinduism was reestablished after spreading Gupta rule over most of India and parts of Asia

As their power increased with conquests of new lands, they attacked others and continued to spread the empire

Chandra Gupta II (grandson of Chandra Gupta I) ruled during India's Golden Age

Many cultural achievements were made during this great period

Kalidasa was one of India’s greatest writers

He wrote many stories like Mahabharata and the Ramayana

Mahabharata is about two groups of cousins fighting each other for the throne

Ramayana is about the story of Rama

Rama is an incarnation of Vishnu, the God of Protection

Rama is also a prince of Raghuvansh

His family ruled over the Kosala kingdom

Many historians believe that Rama wasn't real but many Hindus believe that Rama was real

During this period, Indian artists painted and sculpted many statues of Hindu Deities (gods)

Architects built temples with elaborate iron pillars (that still stands today)

Many historians believe that the doctors from Gupta were ahead of their time

They believed that instead of curing the disease, It would be better to destroy the cause of the disease

They were taught how to make cures from bark, roots, leaves, and minerals

Most doctors were also excellent at performing surgeries

The Ayurveda, a guide to medicine, began (and is still used today as an alternative healing practice) during India's Golden Age