Unit 1 Section 6 Ancient India TYWL: How were ancient civilizations and empires able to development, grow and create a lasting impact? How has conflict and innovation influenced political, religious, economic and social changes in medieval civilizations? CHINA You are here INDIA

Question of the Day 2 The exchange of silks and spices and the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Roads are examples of (1) cultural diffusion (3) ethnocentrism (2) self-sufficiency (4) desertification

Early India & Geography Early Indian civilizations developed in the Indus River valley India is separated from the rest of Asia by two major mountain ranges Himalayas Hindu Kush Khyber Pass Hindu Kush Himalayas Indian subcontinent The most well-known mountain pass is the Khyber Pass.

Harappan Civilization The Harappan civilization reached its zenith about 2500 B.C.E. development of planned cities Excavations of Mohenjo-Daro

Aryan Civilization Beginning in 1500 B.C.E., a group of peoples called Aryans invaded the Indus River valley ARYANS The Aryans originated from the area north of the Black and Caspian Seas The Aryans entered India through the Khyber Pass Nomadic at first, settled down into agriculture in Indus Valley Each tribe led by a rajah (chief) Importance of cattle Served as basis of diet, eventually used as money

Aryan Social Structure Aryan India Spoke the Sanskrit language Wrote the Vedas Means “Books of Knowledge” Formed the basis of the Aryan religion Aryan Social Structure Called “Caste System” System of 4 varnas (social classes) Each varna had it’s own duties (called dharma) Outside the system of varnas was a group called “Pariahs” – untouchables or outcasts

Aryan Social Structure Varnas Groups outside the Varnas

Mauryan Empire (321 B.C. - 184 B.C.) Ashoka, grandson of Chandragupta, ruled from 274 B.C. to 232 B.C. He built an empire that covered 2/3 of India In 262 B.C., after defeating the kingdom of Kalinga, Ashoka became convinced of non-violence & adopted Buddhism

Gupta Empire (A.D. 310 – A.D. 415) Built by Chandragupta I no relation to Chandragupta Maurya Called the “Golden Age” of India Built many Hindu temples Reached height under Chandragupta II (A.D. 375 – 415)

Gupta Empire (A.D. 310 – A.D. 415) Achievements: Mathematics: Developed principles leading to algebra Invented concepts of infinity and zero Devised symbols for 1-9 (“Arabic Numerals”) Trade: Land and sea trade Arabia – gems, spices, cotton, teak and ebony China – silk Rome – gold

Hinduism: National religion of India Based on variety of beliefs and practices God: Brahman – all of the universe is one entity Belief in reincarnation (or transmigration of the soul) The soul is reborn into another body after death Karma determines where you are born Karma- the accumulation of good or bad deeds Therefore your actions determine your station in life Three most important facets/aspects of Brahman: Brahma – Creator Continues to create new creations Vishnu – Preserver Preserves new creation, sometimes by traveling to earth if necessary Siva – Destroyer Can be compassionate or destructive

Eventually, one can escape the cycle and reach enlightenment Called moksha Belief in dharma Dharma: duties you are expected to perform, the ethical way in which you are supposed to behave One can be born into a higher caste or lower caste Prayer, rituals, self-denial and rejection of worldly possessions can help achieve this

Color: Saffron (Represents fire from Brahman) Hindu Symbols \ Aum (or Om) Represents Brahman, everything that is absolute in the universe Swastika Represents everything that is good in the world Means “it is well” or “may good prevail” Color: Saffron (Represents fire from Brahman)