Warm Up Grab a reading over Hinduism and Buddhism. (these are class sets please do not write on it) After you have read over both religions come up with 3 similarities and 3 differences between the two.

Social Structure in India The Caste System Assignment #12 in ISN Social Structure in India

The Caste System Definition: A type of social organization/hierarchy in which a person’s occupation and position in life is determined by the circumstances of his birth.

How Caste Shapes Society Rigid, membership into a caste is based only on birth Marriage only allowed among member of same caste Occupation choices restricted Personal contact with other castes restricted Acceptance of fixed place in society

How One’s Caste is Determined Reincarnation A person is born, lives, dies, and is reborn again many times. Souls are reborn many times until they are pure enough to be with the creator, Brahma Karma A person’s social position in the next life is determined by his conduct in the present life.

How One’s Caste is Determined Dharma Code of behavior or set of moral and ethical rules that govern the conduct of each social class. Each group has a different set of rules to live by. Laws of Manu Hindu book of sacred law Rules and restrictions for daily life

Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaisyas Sudras Priests, Teachers, Judges The Four Castes Brahmins Priests, Teachers, Judges need other castes to work the land and provide for them Kshatriyas Warriors and Rulers (landowners) Vaisyas Skilled Traders, Merchants, Farmers Sudras Unskilled Workers—Laborers and Craft workers

Below these four castes are people who belong to no caste Outcastes Below these four castes are people who belong to no caste Untouchables – Outcastes Concept of pollution…the most pure at the top (Brahmins) and the most polluted at the bottom (Untouchables)

Draw this!

Two Empires of India Mauryan Empire: 324 BC- 183 BC It had a strong military Originally was a Hindu nation although that later changed to Buddhism in some parts Was one of the more advanced civilizations of its time Lots of trading goods by sea & by land

Ashoka: Mauryan Leader Mauryan Empire: 324 BC- 183 BC Reached its peak under the leader Ashoka Ashoka means “painless” He was born into a wealthy family Had royal military training; was a trained fighter (according to legend he beat a lion with just a wooden rod) Started off as a “bloodthirsty” ruler who conquered a lot of territory

Mauryan Empire: 324 BC- 183 BC Mauryan Empire: 324 BC- 183 BC Ashoka converted to Buddhism & made others convert Played a critical role in Buddhism’s growth Built extensive road system for travel/trade He became a peace-loving ruler of a large and rich state Even encouraged development of medical treatment for humans and animals

Mauryan Empire: 324 BC- 183 BC Mauryan Empire: 324 BC- 183 BC After Ashoka died, the Mayryan Empire fell apart. His writings still remained, carved into stone, but a similar leader did not step forward The Ashoka Chakra or “Wheel of righteousness” was invented by Ashoka. It’s on the Indian flag today.

Gupta Empire: 320 AD- 500 AD Gupta Empire: 320 CE- 550CE Founded by Maharaja Sri-Gyupta Was the “Golden Age of India” Was still a Buddhist nation Lots of inventions & discoveries; creativity Chess might be from this time period too!

Awesome Inventions of Ancient India! Gupta Empire: 320 CE- 550CE Awesome Inventions of Ancient India! Sanskrit language Geometry & Algebra Concept of zero, decimal system, number system How were they diffused (spread)? Diffused through the conquests of Alexander the Great

Similarities of the 2 Empires Gupta Empire: 320 CE- 550CE Similarities of the 2 Empires ARCHITECTUAL→ pillars, stupas, & rock chambers

Gupta Empire: 320 AD- 500 AD Gupta Empire: 320 CE- 550CE Controlled less land than the Mauryan Strong army Ruled by kings Nomadic invaders (the Huns) ended the reign of the Guptas around 500 AD