# data[].attributes.body
After the Mauryan fell in 187 B.c.e, India broke apart into separate kingdoms. For the next 500 years, these smaller kingdoms fought each other for land and power. Beginning around 320 B.c.e, a second great empire arose in India: the Gupta Empire. 

# data[].attributes.body
The empire began under Chandragupta 1. He and his family, the Guptas, united the northern kingdoms by conquering them through war. They also formed alliances by arranging marrages with the sons and daughters of other rulers.

# data[].attributes.body
The Gupta line of kings lasted until 550 C.E. At the height of their power, the Gupta's ruled most of Northern India. Their empire was the largest India had known since the days of the Mauryas.

# data[].attributes.body
In some ways the Gupta empire was similar to the Mauryan empire. The Gupta's set up a central government to oversee the empire. A council helped the king to make decisions. The council was made up of advisors and members of the royal family. 

# data[].attributes.body
Unlike the Mauryas, the Gupta's gave local areas a great deal of independence. The empire was divided into large areas called provinces. the provinces were ruled by royal governors. Within the provinces, town leaders could make many of their own decisions.

# data[].attributes.body
Wars are an example of a connection

# data[].attributes.body
The Guptas' ruling strategy helped them to stay in power for nearly 230 years. Generally peaceful times and the empire's stability encouraged growth in the arts and sciences. The result was a "a golden age" that produced some of the greatest advances in Indian history. 

# data[].attributes.body
the golden age was a time of great prosperity and achivement

# data[].attributes.body
Everyone has a ruler as in govener, president, or king and queen

# data[].attributes.body
sometimes people feel over controilled

# data[].attributes.body
Province is a territory that is part of a country or an empire

# data[].attributes.body
gupta empire is an empire that flourished from about 320 to 550 C.E