Ancient India Mr. Cross World History

Geography Indian Sub-Continent Shaped like inverted triangle Separated from Asia by Himalayas and Hindu Kush Mountains Weather patterns affected by seasonal monsoons Impact of Geography

Early Civilizations Harappa and Mohenjo Daro Planned cities in Indus Valley Mud-brick construction, walled-cities Advanced sewage/water systems Dravidian culture Pre-Aryan culture that was ethnically similar to E. Africans Longstanding trade with Mesopotamia (Map on p. 68-9) Royal palace/holy temple in same structure

Aryans Indo-European nomads from C. Asia Begin moving into Indus RV and India around 1500 BCE Polytheistic religion Warrior culture Preyed upon weaker civilizations Have control of India by 1000 BCE Maintain control until they are overtaken by the nomadic Huns around 500 CE. Institute strict social structure/stratification “Varna” or “Caste System” Many regional kingdoms without central leadership

Caste System Prusha, God of Immortality Create the 4 classes from him Head – Brahmins Arms – Kshatriyas Legs – Vaisyas Feet - Sudras Creation story from the Vedas A collection of the earliest writings about the history of early India (p. 71 diagram)

Hinduism Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva God of creation, preservation and destruction Sacred Text, the Mahabharata Famous epic, the Bhagavad Gita Governed by Laws of Manu 4 stages of life Brahmacharya – student Grhastha – householder Vanaprastha – retirement Sanyasa – preparation for death Householder is the superior of the 4 stages

Hinduism Based on reincarnation 4 goals in life Darma – reponsibilities for stages of life Artha- sufficient material wealth Kama – pleasure Moksha – spiritual fulfillment Correspond to the 4 stages of life Karma – the spiritual force generated by actions Determines what or how many times you will be reborn The ultimate goal is to reach Samsara End the cycle of rebirths, become Brahman

Buddhism Religion of Siddhartha Gautama, 6 th cent.bc Wealthy prince with everything he wanted Becomes disenchanted and seeks the cure for human suffering Becomes Buddha or “enlightened one” Sees suffering at the end of every life Ultimate goal is to end suffering and ascend to Nirvana Achieve the “ultimate reality” and ascend into nothingness

Buddhism Four Noble Truths 1.) Life is suffering (dukkha) 2.) Suffering is caused by ego-centric desires and cravings 3.) To end cravings and desires is to end suffering 4.) The only way to end cravings and desires is to follow the Middle (Eightfold) Path Called the “middle path” because it exists between Mahayana and Therevada Buddhism

Buddhism Eighfold Path Right View – Know the 4 Noble Truths, “See” Right Intention – Know what you want in life Right Speech – Do not speak falsely/poorly of others Right Action – Do not: steal, kill, lie, drink/drugs commit sexual misconduct Rich Livelihood – choose a career that benefits society Right Effort – Dedicate yourself to the path, do not become lazy. Right Mindfulness – Clear consciousness, aware of your own present reality Right Concentration – Right meditation