Ancient vs. modern India -- Indus Valley civilization -- Layers of Mohenjodaro -- Harappa, jewel of the Indus Valley people -- Economy of the Indus Valley -- The religion and culture of the Indus Valley -- The rise of the Maurya dynasty -- The death of Chandragupta -- A change of heart for Ashoka -- The edicts of Ashoka -- Buddhism -- Achievements of the Maurya -- Mauryan literature and art -- The Gupta dynasty emerges -- Conquests of Samudragupta -- Reign of Chandragupta II -- Religion under the Guptas -- A literary golden age -- Scientific and artistic achievements -- Glossary -- For more information.