INDIA

G – GEOGRAPHY Subcontinent – large landmass that is smaller than a continent. Himalayas Mountains – Northern Border separating India from the Rest of Asia Mt. Everest – highest peak of the Himalayas at 29,000 ft. Fertile plains at foot of Himalayas. This is due to 3 main Rivers Indus, Ganges, and Bhramaputa The Himalayan Mtn. kept India geographically isolated **Why were these rivers important? India’s people relied on these rivers for farming, transportation and trade. Southern 2/3 of India is part of the Deccan Plateau Plateau an area of relatively level high ground

R – RELIGION HINDUISM One of the world’s oldest religions (3rd largest religion in the world) Developed from the faith of the Aryans – over time the Aryan faith changed/blended with the ideas of other people of India. (eventually became Hinduism) Vedas – sacred text (Holy Book) Polytheistic (many gods) *(Brahma the creator; Shiva the Destroyer; Vishnu the Preserver) Karma – your status is based on what you did in your past life Dharma – you must follow your personal duty Strictly followed the Caste System (see Social Structure) Belief in reincarnation – rebirth of the soul (into a new body) The 4 Vedas

Religion (CONT’D) BUDDHISM No God; No Holy Book Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha) Wealthy Prince who left all wealth behind To search for the meaning of life. Founder of Buddhism. He came to the realize the 4 Noble Truths 4 Noble Truths 1. Life is full of suffering 2. People suffer because they desire worldly things 3. The way to end suffering is to stop desiring things 4. They only way to stop desire is to follow the 8 Fold Path When people are finally free from all earthly desire they reach full Nirvana (perfect peace and happiness) People’s place in life didn’t depend on the Varna (social class) they were born into. Like Hindus, Buddhist believed in Reincarnation. Their cycle would end when they have reached pure enlightenment.

Religion cont’d 8 Fold Path The way to reach true enlightenment is to follow the 8 Fold Path. Know and understand the 4 Noble Truths Give up worldly things and do not harm others Tell the truth, and do not gossip and do not speak badly of others, stealing, or living an unclean life. Do rewarding work Work for good, and oppose people Make sure your mind keeps your senses under control Practice Meditation to see the world in a new way.

Achievements Literature 3 Main Epics Mathematics Mahabharata – describes a struggle for control of an Indian Empire 1100 B.C. Bhagavad Gita – best known section of The Mahabarata, A Prince and Krishna go together into battle. The Ramayana – Over 25,000 verses, of a Prince Rama, and his wife, Sita who is kidnapped. Mathematics Concept of infinity Algebra Number 0 Hindu-Arabic number system (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9)

Achievements cont’d Science Medicine Mapped movement of planets and stars Made advances in metalworking during Gupta period Medicine Dental work Set broken bones Even early forms of plastic surgery Sew wounds Use herbs to help prevent illness Sanskrit – written language developed in India Stupas – Buddhist shrines Ashoka had built throughout India

P – POLITICS Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa – 2 earliest Indus Valley settlements, almost identical, with many paved streets, permanent buildings courtyards and market places Dyansty – ruling line from the same family Mauryan and Gupta dynasties formed the first great Indian empires. Mauryan Empire Chandra Gupta – first ruler of the Mauryan Empire. Under Chandragupta, the Mauryan Empire liberated the transindus, and defeated the invasion led by a Greek general from Alexander the Great’s army. Ashoka – Chandra Gupta’s grandson ruled most of Northern & Central India 273-232 B.C. After seeing horror of war, followed the peace of Buddhist teachings – made laws that improved the lives of his people; (hospitals for sick, houses for poor, practiced non violence) The Mauryan Empire flourished under his leadership, grew to the Mediterranean Sea.

P – POLITICS CONT’D After Ashoka’s death the Mauryan Empire declined. (heavy taxes, rulers that follower lacked his kindness – took land from peasants) Gupta Empire= GOLDEN AGE A.D. 320 Chandra Gupta I came into power Samudra Gupta (grandson)– Great military leader supported Hindu arts, and scholars. (The Gupta rulers benefited much from the thriving trade they owned many silver and gold mines on their estates.)

E - ECONOMY India’s good roads help it become the center of a large trade network. India traded the following Spices Wheat Rice Cotton Salt Silver Gold **note It’s location on the Indus and Ganges River were great trade routes (as well as Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal)

S – Social Structure Caste System – Children were born into the same Caste (and job) the parents were in. The only hope of moving in your Caste (varna) is reincarnation. Caste System – Bhramin (Priests) Kshatryia (Warriors) Vaishya (Merchents, landowners) Sudra (Commoner, Peasants, servants) _____ Untouchable (not acknowledged; outcast…)