Title Layout Ancient India Subtitle

Standard 6-1: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the development of the cradles of civilization as people moved from a nomadic existence to a settled life. Indicator 6-1.3: Compare the river valley civilizations of the Tigris and Euphrates (Mesopotamia), the Nile (Egypt), the Indus (India), and the Huang He (China), including the evolution of written language, government, trade systems, architecture, and forms of social order. Indicator 6-1.4: Explain the origins, fundamental beliefs, and spread of Eastern religions, including Hinduism (India), Judaism (Mesopotamia), Buddhism (India), and Confucianism and Taoism (China).

If You Were There…. Why is it important to pass on these words? Your people are nomadic herders in southern Asia about 1200 BC. You live in a river valley with plenty of water and grass for your cattle. Besides looking over cattle, you spend time learning songs and myths from the village elders. They say these words hold your people’s history. One day, it will be your duty to teach them to your own children. Why is it important to pass on these words?

Geography and Early India India is HUGE – many call it a subcontinent Mountains separate Inia from the rest of Asia Northern India: Himalayas – highest mountains in the world West of India: Hindu Kush mountains West of Himalayas – desert Rest of India is covered by fertile plains and rugged plateaus.

Geography and Early India Many rivers flow out of the Himalayas – Indus Indus floods from snow melting in Himalayas – layer of fertile silt

Geography and Early India Climate Hot and Humid Climate Heavily influenced by monsoons In the summer, winds blow from the Indian Ocean – heavy rains and floods In the winter, winds blow down from the mountains – warm, dry winters

Harappan Civilization Guided Notes

Harappan Civilizaton Guided Notes The Civilization that grew up in the Indus River Valley 2300 BC to 1700 BC along both sides of the Sarasvati River grew as irrigation and agriculture improved 2 cities 1. Harappa 2. Mohenjo Daro

Harappan Civilizaton Guided Notes Cities Each stood near a towering fortress – defenders could look down on the cities’ brick streets Streets crossed at right angles Lined with storehouses, workshops, market stalls, and houses Many public wells

Harappan Civilizaton Guided Notes Achievements Houses had bathrooms with indoor plumbing Artisans made excellent pottery, jewelry, ivory objects, and cotton clothing Developed a system of weights and measures

Harappan Civilizaton Guided Notes Achievements Traders bought and sold goods from as far away as Egypt and Mesopotamia Developed India’s first writing system Kings and strong central governments – may have worshipped king as a god

Ended by early 1700s, but no one is sure why!?!

The Aryans Originally from the area around the Caspian Sea in Central Asia c. 2000s BC Government/Political System:  lived in small communities, based mostly on family ties  No single ruling authority existed – each group had its own leader, often a skilled warrior  villages were ruled by rajas – a leader who ruled a village and the land around it: sometimes rajas joined forces. Other times, they fought each other

The Aryans Language: At first, Aryans did not read or write Sanskrit: At first, it was only a spoken language

Farmers, craftspeople, and traders India’s Social Order   Varnas (social division) Description 1 Brahmins Priests - highest ranking because they performed rituals for the gods 2  Kshatriyas Rulers and Warriors 3 Vaisyas Farmers, craftspeople, and traders 4 Sudras Laborers/Workers/servants 5 Non-Aryans

The Caste System Rules became stricter and four varnas (social divisions) were further divided into many castes, or groups (determined a person’s place in society) The caste system divided Indian society into groups based on a person’s birth, wealth, and occupation. Both men and women belonged to castes Untouchables: a part of Indian society that did not belong to any caste – they could only hold certain, often unpleasant, jobs

The Caste System Sutras, or guides – rules for the caste system  People were not allowed to marry anyone from a different class  Forbidden for people from one class to eat with people from another People who broke the caste rules could be banned from their homes and their castes, which would make them untouchables Because of these rules, people spent almost all of their time with others in their same class 

Religion in India: Brahmanism Hinduism Buddhism

Brahmanism Religion had always been an important part of Aryan Life. Because Aryan priests were called Brahmins, their religion is often called Brahmanism.

Brahmanism Aryan religion based on the Vedas (texts) 4 Vedas, each containing sacred hymns and poems

Brahmanism 1st Veda and Oldest: the Rigveda Written before 1000 BC Includes hymns of praise to many gods “The one who is first and possessed of wisdom when born; the god who strove to protect the gods with strength; the one before whose force the two worlds were afraid because of the greatness of his virility (power): he, O people, is Indra.”

Brahmanism Other Vedic Texts Aryan Brahmins wrote down their thoughts about the Vedas – these were then compiled into collections called Vedic Texts One Collection – describes Aryan religious rituals Second Collection – describes secret rituals that only certain people could perform Third Collection – the Upanishads: reflections on the Vedas by religious students and teachers

Hinduism and Buddhism Group Projects

Key Points To Make Sure You Have: What is karma? What does Hinduism teach about accepting the caste system? Which castes believed in Hinduism? What did Hindus believe happened to evil people? What was the goal of the Hindus? Who is the founder of Buddhism?

Key Points To Make Sure You Have: What is nirvana? In Buddhism, how can people overcome desire and ignorance? In Buddhism, why were people unhappy? Buddhism challenged the authority of the Brahmins and opposed the caste system. Which Indian king is known for expanding Buddhism?