9 th Grade Global History Review May 24, 2016

Geography of the Indus River Valley A.Indus RV (Harappan Civilization) was located in South Asia and was part of Ancient India. A wall of mountains (Hindu Kush, Karakoram, Himalayan) and the Thar Desert separate Indus RV from outsiders

Geography of the Indus River Valley B. Indus and Ganges Rivers 1. Flooded yearly and left silt on river banks. Flooding could be unpredictable. 2. Benefits→ 3. Disadvantages→

Geography of the Indus River Valley C. Monsoons: Seasonal winds 1. October-May: Blow dry air from the northeast 2. Summer: Heavy rains blow in from the southwest. ↓

IAccomplishments of Indus River Valley Civilization (2500 B.C. – 1500 B.C.) A.Sophisticated City Planning: Great cities of Kalibangan, Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa were laid out on precise grids. Cities were surrounded by brick walls. They always contained a citadel (fortress) where the royal palace and temple were located.

Hinduism (India) Caste System (Varna) – Strict class system Reincarnation – When you die, your soul is born again in a different form. Karma: All the good and bad deeds you commit in your life Dharma: Duties that you owe to your caste. Goal: Moksha (ending reincarnation and stopping the cycle of death and rebirth. Your soul becomes one with the universe). Do your dharma to get good karma and move up in the varna (caste system). Provided order and structure to society.

Buddhism (India / China) Founded by Siddartha Gautama (Buddha). Teaches the Four Nobles Truths: – All life is full of suffering – Suffering is caused by desire – The way to eliminate suffering is to eliminate desire. – Following the Eightfold Path will help people overcome desire. – Goal: Nirvana (union with the universe and release from the cycle of birth and death).

The Mauryan Empire (324 B.C. – 183 B.C.) Asoka (ruled 269 B.C.-232 B.C.) – Considered to be the greatest ruler in the history of India. Begins his reign fighting bloody wars, but eventually changes. Achievements: Wrote the laws of India on tall rock pillars (columns) that were displayed throughout India. He converted to Buddhism and during his reign and is known for his kind treatment of people and animals.

The Gupta Empire: India’s Golden Age (320 A.D A.D.) Hindu Empire with many achievements: Sanskrit writing Math – concept of zero – decimal system based on the number 10 – Arabic Numerals (0-9) Medicine – plastic surgery – vaccine against smallpox Architecture – Stone temples to Hindu gods – Stupas- Buddhist shrines that contained remains of holy people