Indian Empires

Aryans & the Caste System Invade the Indus Valley Development of the Caste System Varna=color in sanskrit Five social classes Brahmins-highest, priest and scholars Kshatriya-warriors and government officials Vaishya-landowners, merchants, and artisans Shudra-peasants and laborers Untouchables-slaves

Growth of Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama Called the “Enlightened one” Never claimed to be a god, but after he died his followers elevated him to this status Hinduism remained most popular in India until the 3rd century

Mauryan Empire Chandragupta Maurya First emperor Defeats the northern Indian tribes after Alexander the Great dies 600,000 man army, 9,000 elephants, etc.

Mauryan Empire Ashoka Created highways, rest stops, fruit trees for all Cultivated botanical gardens for medicinal plants Hospitals Converted to Buddhism After a battle the amount of bloodshed shocked Ashoka who then found comfort in Buddhism because it emphasized non-violence, peace, and tolerance Pacifist ideals may have weakened the military which after Asoka’s death led the empire into decline Spread Buddhism Very tolerant of other religions

Gupta Empire Chandra Gupta Mauryan Empire falls apart after Asoka’s death Chandra Gupta Renewal of Hindu religion Rise of scientific and artistic works Concept of zero Earth moves around the Sun Innovations in surgery Base 10 numeral system was developed

Indian Ocean Trade

Indian Ocean Trade Prominent world trade area Could carry more products per trip than over land slaves, ivory, and gold from Africa, porcelain from China, and cloth from India Even diseases spread along it Trade winds (Monsoon winds) half of the year blowing northeast (December to March) and the other half of the year blowing southwest (April to August)

Indian Ocean Trade Merchants having to wait for the monsoon winds the coastal cities would be a rich area of mixed cultures and religions Islam and Buddhism magnetic compasses and lateen sails