The civilizations of ancient India had their own different governments. In the Indus Valley Civilization, priest kings were at the head of government. The Maurya Empire boasted a stable, centralized government that allowed the flourishing of trade and culture. That government had weakened by the time of the Gupta Empire, opening the gates to foreign invaders and civil wars. This informative volume charts the changes in leadership in ancient India and ends with a comparison to India's government today. With engaging text, rich and colorful illustrations, and an enhanced e-book option, this title is a valuable resource for student reports.