Teacher's Guide for CALLIOPE: India's Gupta Dynasty

Teacher's guide was prepared by Lisa Greenberg.
Before using this issue, brainstorm with the whole class what defines an "empire." Then divide students into groups of four or five and ask them to agree on and write a definition of the term "empire." Post each definition on a bulletin board or poster.

For homework, ask students to discuss with their families, perhaps at dinner, what is essential in a civilization and what makes a civilization die or fall apart. Encourage them to ask their family members for concrete examples in history of reasons why civilizations such as the Roman grew or declined in strength. Share these in class and ask students, "What is the relationship between an empire and a civilization?" Encourage student groups to refine their definitions of empire now and during the week.

While using the magazine, pick and choose from the following activities and questions.

Vocabulary:
Tributary, influence, edict, Sanskrit, patron, Veda, ritual, corporal punishment, distillery, sacrifice, preserver, caste.

These words and phrases are important for understanding the text. You may wish to have students define them, use them in sentences, create crossword puzzles or word plays with them, or quiz each other on their meanings.

Map Work:
Draw or trace the map of the Gupta Empire. As you read through the magazine, note why each city on the map is important. Estimate how much the Kingdom grew under each new Emperor. What problems might come with extending the boundaries of the empire?

On a world map, have students choose a country and research what historical events happened and technological progress was made during the time of the Gupta. Post this information on the map or in a separate chart.

Shakuntala:
Groups of students can

1. create a mural of the Shakuntala story;
2. research the Sanskrit poet Kalidasa and present findings in a poster or paper;
3. compare the Indian comic book excerpts in this issue and American comic books;
4. discuss what is the moral or lesson of the Shakuntala story.

• What three religions were followed in Gupta India? (p. 20)
• Who were the most important Hindu gods and goddesses and what did they stand for? (p. 21)
• How is a puja or Hindu devotional ritural conducted? (p. 22)
• Define the concept of dharma and give an example. (p. 22)
• What were the dharmas of the four castes: Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras? (p. 22) Note that there was another category of citizen, the "untouchable."
• Describe the stages of the ideal Hindu life. (p.23)
• Why does the author believe that the modern reformer Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi was trusted and revered by the Indian people? (p.23)

1. Research the three religions current in India during the Gupta Dynasty: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism. What are the three most important teachings in each religion? Create a chart that shows the differences and similarities.
2. Choose one aspect of religion in Gupta India and create a poster to explain it.
3. Encourage a small group to create a model of a cave sanctuary with shrines, meeting places, and monk cells. Ask them what distinguishes a Buddhist sanctuary from a Hindu or Jain sanctuary and choose just one to illustrate. Encourage students to use the Internet and the magazine's resources to find images they can use to decorate.
4. Create an Indian style cartoon or skit in which a character proceeds through his or her life stages: student, householder, sage / hermit, wandering holy man.

• Why did Faxian travel from China to India? (p.27)
• Why was the trip difficult? (p.27)
• Why was Faxian honored in India? (p.27)
• What impressed Faxian about the Gupta court and what disturbed him? (p. 28)
• What was Faxian's overall impression of the Gupta Court? (p.29)
• How did daily life differ in China and India, according to Faxian? (p.30)
• What did Faxian note about the untouchables? (p 32)

• How did the Guptas enhance learning at the university of Nalanda? (p. 35)
• What astronomical and mathematical discoveries were made during the Gupta dynasty? (p. 36)
• What innovations were made in medicine and surgery? (p. 36-37)
• How did these academic steps forward affect Gupta society? (p.37)
• What advances were made in astronomy by Varahamihira? (p.38)

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Updated: 11/21/09 12:55 am
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