Unit 2 Classical Civilizations China & India Kingdoms of the Ganges

Aryan Civilization Indo European(s) people who migrated across Europe to Asia The Indo Europeans who migrated to India were called Aryans No Archeological record of early Aryans Priests called kept oral stories that were passed down for generations These stories are known as the Vedas (VAY•duhz), or collections of prayers, magical spells, and instruction form performing rituals

Aryan Society They organized into 4 groups based on occupation Brahmin (Priests) Warriors Traders/Landowners Peasants Class restrictions became more rigid laborers became distinguished by skin color Four major groups where known as the varnas until the 15th century when Portuguese explorers called these groups castes

http://krishna.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Plate42.jpg Caste System

Aryan Religious Beliefs Aryans were polytheistic Indra = God of War = Weapon Thunderbolt Varuna = God of Order Agni = God of Fire = Messenger Brahman = God of all things Mystics = People who seek spiritual things, or spiritual seekers Rajahs = Elected warrior leaders

ARYAN Indra Indra GODS Varuna Agni

Nomads to Farmers The Aryans extended their settlements along the Ganges and Yamuna River valley Farming difficult in the jungles until the arrival of iron about 1000 B.C.E. Kingdom of Magadha arose after a struggle between minor kings for territory and power Written language of Sanskrit began to appear

Aryans

Mahabharata India’s greatest epic poem Story of Aryans fighting each other Five royal brothers fight one battle that lasts 18 days

Ramayana The hero Rama must rescue Sita his beautiful bride from the demon king Ravana The monkey general Hanuman helps Rama rescue Sita Rama = ideal king Sita = ideal women