India

Aryans Invade India The Aryans invaded from the Indo-European area and took control of the Indus River Valley and the Ganges River. They were fierce nomadic herders.

Writing When the Aryans invaded the Indus River Valley they brought with them their own form of writing called Sanskrit. The Vedas are their written guides for life (religion).

Hinduism-- the Aryan Religion Polytheistic--350 million gods who all apart of a single universal spirit, Brahma. The three most important gods are Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer. Shiva

Caste System

1 3 4 (1) the Brahman-priest, (2) Kshatriyas-nobility and warriors, (3) Vishayas-merchants and farmers (4) the Sudras-laborers. 2 The caste system was in reality a division of society.

Three most important concepts of Hinduism Reincarnation--Each person must be reborn until they reach purification Each person must perform their moral duty (Dharma) in whatever position they are born. Each persons moral consequences (Karma) must be very high in order to determine the next cycle of life.

Buddhism Siddhartha Gauthama, a Hindu Prince questions the caste system and eventually denies that practice. He follows the Eightfold Path (Correct Morals) and becomes known as the Enlighten One.

Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism It can take one life time or many life times for ones soul to be purified or reach (Nirvana). According to Buddha you must: 1. Realize life is full of suffering 2. The cause for suffering is desire for things you do not need 3. You must overcome desire. 4. To do this follow the Eightfold Path

Asoka --The Maurya Empire

The Maurya Empire Asoka was a fierce warrior king who ruled the Maurya Empire. After witnessing many bloody battles he converted to Buddhism.. He preached tolerance for other religions and is credited with the Spread of Buddhism throughout Asia.

Gupta Empire The Gupta Empire was a time of prosperity. Many advances were made in math (Arabic numerals and the decimal system) and many Stupas were built (shrines built on sites that Buddha visited).

Test Your Knowledge

What group of people invaded the Indus River Valley? A. The AryansB. Buddhist C. GuptasD. Harappans

What type of writing did the Aryans use? A.Calligraphy B. Sanskrit C. Hieroglyphics D. Cuneiform

What Religion did the Aryans practice? A. Christianity B. Daoism C. Hinduism D. Islam

Number 1 on the diagram represents which member of the Caste System? A. SudraB. Vishayas C. Brahman D. Kshatriyas

The three topics listed above are the three important concepts of A. BuddhismB. Hinduism C. ConfucianismD. Daoism 1. Reincarnation 2. Dharma 3. Karma

Who taught the Four Noble Truths? A. Buddha B. Moses C. Jesus D. Confucius

Who is given credit for spreading Buddhism throughout Asia? A. Muhammad B. Buddha C. Asoka D. Brahman

What is this Buddhist Shrine called? A. StupaB. Church C. MosqueD. Temple