Artwork from the Mahabharata Ancient India Artwork from the Mahabharata

Geography of India Northern Mountain Rim a. Hindu Kush Mountains are in the northwest b. Himalayas are in the northeast c. Environment makes farming difficult

https://www. youtube. com/watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkd_7FbD_qs – Himalayas and trade barriers

The Northern Plains Lie between the Himalayas and southern India Ganges River flows through Bangladesh into the Bay of Bengal; carries rich sediments that create fertile soil Indus River flows through Pakistan into the Arabian Sea River deltas create fertile soil

Ganges River http://proof.nationalgeographic.com/2014/08/04/chasing-the-sacred-down-the-ganges-from-snow-to-sea/ - Ganges

HINGE QUESTIONS WHAT ARE BARRIERS AND CORRIDORS? WHAT TRADE BARRIERS & CORRIDORS EXIST IN THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT (THINK GEOGRAPHY)

Deccan Plateau Makes up most of southern India Known for mineral deposits and forests https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewXTyC51kDY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9peDRkO-TLc – Monsoon Explanation Climate Three main seasons: cool, hot, and rainy Southern India is hot year round Monsoon Cycle: Seasonal winds bring heavy rains to the region Agriculture depends on timing of the monsoons http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tJAXoM5eoI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9peDRkO-TLc – Monsoon Explanation

Ancient Indian History Indus River Valley Civilizations a. Develop around Indus River Valley (Harappan & Mohenjo-daro) b. Highly advanced civilizations c. Known for advanced agriculture, irrigation, and granaries

HINGE QUESTION WHAT MIGHT PEOPLE HAVE SETTLED NEAR THE INDUS RIVER VALLEY?

Used complex weights and measures and had their own script (Harappa) Settlements had planned streets, public buildings, and a water system Demise is a mystery; possibly falls around 1900 BC after floods and outside attacks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ndRwqJYDM&list=UUX6b17PVsYBQ0ip5gyeme-Q&index=7&feature=plcp

City of Harappa

Mohenjo-daro (The Great Bath)

HINGE QUESTION WHAT TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES WERE MADE BY THE INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATIONS?

The Aryan Invasion Lighter skinned people arrive through the Hindu Kush Mountains Migrated from the West through Iran

Aryans had a different language, Sanskrit Were nomadic herders Aryans had new technology such as iron weapons Eventually became the dominant class in India

Hinduism Hindu religion forms out of Aryan practices and beliefs Caste System develops Believe in karma and reincarnation HINGE: #20 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh_xvKLhZHg

Mauryan Dynasty (321-185 BC) Founded by descendants of the Aryans Emperor Ashoka is considered the most significant ruler 1. Creates a unified government 2. Makes Buddhism the state religion 3. Conquered the entire Indian subcontinent https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Nn5uqE3C9w

Asoka refuses to wage war after conversion to Buddhism Tries to extend social support within his empire; writes “Principles for a Just Government” Empire declines after Asoka’s death in 232 BC; falls in 185 BC Hinge #22

Gupta Dynasty (320-550 AD) Renaissance of Hinduism begins as princes promote priestly castes Golden age of art, science, and literature under Chandragupta II Chandragupta make vassals of neighboring rulers Sanskrit literature blossoms; Mahabharata is written

Hinge #24