Tamil+Nadu+and+Edicts+of+Ashoka

Who were the Cholas? What were some of their accomplishments? The Cholas, a people living in southern India, first appear in the written record in a 3rd century BCE rock inscription of Mauryan emperor Ashokan the great. They eventually gained supremacy over other southern tribes in the area, the Pandyas of Madurai and the Pallavas of Kanchi.

Why did the British find the region so valuable? They became centers for Indian textiles that were in high demand in Europe, including cotton cloth, chintz, and calico.

What did the Romans trade with Tamil Nadu? precious stones, and gold.

What purpose did the Ashokan pillars play during Ashoka's rule? Why do you think they would have been effective? The tall, heavy column isn't supported by a base or platform and is crowned by a capital with a single lion. The authoritative, open-mouthed lion is seated on a square dais that juts from the capital's base, which is decorated with an inverted lotus blossom. Similar to other pillars that have been discovered in the region, it is made of a single piece of light colored sandstone and transported from a quarry in Chunar, near [|Varanasi] (Benares). Because they probably needed a god to talk to so they picked that one.

How did the possible meeting between Alexander the Great and a young Chandragupta influence the development of the Mauryan Empire? Alexander's invasion itself left no long lasting impression on India (though he may have influenced the young [|Chandragupta Maurya], founder of the [|Mauryan Empire] ), but his campaigns cemented his reputation as one of the great conquerors of the ancient world. Later Greek leaders however conquered much of northwest India; the most famous, Menander (ruled c. 155-130 BCE), struck down the Ganges as far as Patna and according to legend later became a Buddhist.

In light of India's many religious traditions, why do you think Buddhism suffered a sharp decline in India after Ashoka? some did not agree with the way there were living with right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

What teachings of the Buddha are most relevant in today's world? Buddhists currently number around 400 million worldwide, and the philosophy's two major traditions are Theraveda—practiced primarily in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos—and Mahayana—practiced chiefly in China, Tibet, Japan, and Korea. Wesak, the celebration that marks the Buddha's birth in May, is the most important Buddhist festival.