India in the Post-Classical Era

Indian Geography List 5 MOST SIGNIFICANT geographic features in S. Asia

A Divided Land Gupta Dynasty fell in 6th Century India is divided into regional powers Politically divided Not united until 16th Century

A Tale of Two Lands India is geographically divided North and South develop differently

Northern India King Harsha (ruled 606 – 648 CE) Conflict and Chaos Regional leaders fight over power Invasions are common

Islam in N. India Umayyad Rule Muslim Traders Turkish Muslims 8th Century: Sind (Indus Valley) Muslim Traders Port Cities Turkish Muslims Afghanistan

Sultanate of Delhi Mahmud of Ghazni (1001 – 1027 CE) Afghanistan leader Invaded India, Destroyed Hindu and Buddhist Sites Sultanate of Delhi (1206 – 1526) Capital is Delhi Localized Control Surrounded by Hindus

Southern India More stability in the South Chola Kingdom (850 – 1267 CE) Dominant Navy Rich from trade Kingdom of Vijayanagar (1300s – 1565) Hindu Kingdom fell to Muslims

Agriculture Agriculture Production increases in post classical era Increased Specialization Monsoons create a need for irrigation Monsoons Spring/Summer  Wet Fall/Winter  Dry Population Growth More Agriculture = Greater Population Major Trading Cities Arise (EMPORIA)

Indian Ocean Trade Indian Economy Hindu Temples Increased specialization  more trade Internal Trade Special Goods: Iron (Ganges), Copper (Deccan), Salt (Coast), Pepper (South) Hindu Temples Political, Social and Educational Centers Used wealth for elaborate temples

Cross Cultural Trade Post Classical Era Trading Centers Larger Ships/Greater Commercial Organization Dhows (Muslims) Junks (Chinese) Trading Centers India’s location perfect for emporia Cosmopolitan Cities Developed

Specialized Production India Produced cotton textiles China – Silk, Porcelain SE Asia – Spices, Incense, Horses East Africa – Gold, Ivory, Slaves

The Caste System Adaptability Expansion Order and Stability Increasing pressures Subcastes Expansion Order and Stability Consistency over time

The Spread of Islam Merchant Communities Conversion Greatest acceptance Conversion Gradual Political positions reserved for Muslims Some converted to escape low castes 1500 – 25 Million (1/4 of Population)

Sufi Mystics Sufis Bhakti Movement Hinduism/Islam Traveling holy men 12th Century – South India Erase religious distinctions Guru Kabir Hinduism/Islam Compare/Contrast