introduction and geography Classical India introduction and geography
geography - intro location: proximity to Mediterranean, Persia physical: separated from East Asia by mountains diverse climate regions explain racial, language complexity
connection to River civ Indus (Harappa and Mohenjo Daro) extended to Ganges River Aryan (Indo-European) nomads used iron tools to clear vegetation Vedic Age - vedas (knowledge) Epic Age - more mystical, religious
Aryan conquerers caste system - establish relationships between conquerers and conquered Epic age - priests replaced warriors at the top polytheism similar to Greek mythology
Aryan: Indo-European origin
Indo-European languages
Mauryan Empire complex social hierarchy, divisions 1500 BCE Harappa’s collapse 1500 - 500 BCE Aryan nomadic migrations complex social hierarchy, divisions Buddha’s teachings (social rebellion?) not clearly established patterns for government (China)
Mauryan Empire consolidated power with military force little political theory, more power with priests
Mauryan Empire autocratic rule - not large, inefficient gov 327 BCE Alexander’s invasion 322 BCE Chandragupta’s organization response - unify subcontinent, army, gov autocratic rule - not large, inefficient gov grandson, Ashoka - extended empire w/ war, then adopted Buddhism (269 - 232 BCE) no “deep roots” politically, but Buddhist influence
Gupta Empire 320 C.E. power came from North India to re-establish social classes Hinduism: restored high priests no famous individual leaders, but greater impact in stability, regional leaders, hierarchy of caste / Hinduism
Gupta Empire consolidate power with Hindu religion and taxes loose structure = no universal language uniform code of law, road building, sponsored arts smaller size than Mauryan Empire, more foreign trade
Gupta Empire solidified caste system - really ran daily life; principles of heredity marriage, jobs, taxes, eating, housing Hinduism: “cement of this society”, pushed Buddhism out…other parts of Asia have more historical impact economy more advanced than China - chemistry, steel, textiles, valued merchants
compare to China differences China - political, Confucian social order India - religion / culture, Hindu social order similar agricultural, majority peasants village - local culture, family way of life similar gender roles