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* Chapter 9 State, Society, and the Quest for Salvation in India * The Mauryan and Gupta empires 321 B.C.E.-550 C.E. * India Before the Mauryan Dynasty 520 BCE Persian Emperor Darius conquers north-west India Introduces Persian ruling pattern 327 Alexander of Macedon destroys Persian Empire in India Troops mutiny, departs after 2 years Political power vacuum * Kingdom of Magadha Most significant remaining kingdom after Alexander?s departure Central Ganges plain Economic strength Agriculture Trade in Ganges valley, Bay of Bengal Dominated surrounding regions in north-eastern India * Chandragupta Maurya Took advantage of power vacuum left by Alexander Overthrew Magadha rulers Expanded kingdom to create 1st unified Indian empire Mauryan Dynasty * Chandragupta?s Government