Ancient India Chapter 6

The Geography of India Subcontinent- A large landmass that is slightly smaller then a continent. Separated from Asia by the Himalayan Mountains Plains lie at the foot of the mountains. 3 main rivers Indus River, Ganges River, and Brahmutra River

The Geography of India Rivers provide Transportation, Farming, and Trade West and East Coast are very fertile land followed by inland a mountain range that opens to a large Plateau (DECCAN PLATEAU) Climate is based on the Monsoon Season Winter- Dry and cold Summer- Warm, wet air and rain

The Indus River Valley The cradle of Ancient India. 5,000 years ago along the Indus River in today western Pakistan. Soil was very rich and allowed crops to grow. (Barley, Wheat, and Beans) With plenty of food many people became craftsmen and constructed housing.

The Indus River Valley Cities Mohenjo-Daro Harappa Each city had at least 35,000 people and dozen of paved streets. Most people lived by farming in the surrounding areas. Temples and places reside in a fortress.

Aryan Migration and Settlement Decline of the Indus Valley several possible causes Drought lasting 100’s of years Earthquake and Floods Starvation. Aryans are not a race or ethnic group they are a language group from Central Asia They raised Cattle for meat, milk, and butter

Aryan Migration and Settlement Aryan’s are nomads that did not settle Experts In horse back riding, Fierce warriors, and hunters From 1500 BC to 100 BC Aryans moved throughout India overtime they mixed with Indus river valley decedents creating a whole new culture

Aryan Migration and Settlement Eventually settled into one place and became farmers Overtime they built irrigation systems and iron tools. Gradually turned the Ganges River valley into farmland. North Grew- All kinds of grains South Grew- Cotton, Vegetables, Cinnamon, and Ginger

Aryan Migration and Settlement Aryans lived in tribes Each tribe is lead by a Raja (Leader/Prince) Created a small Kingdom Fought with other Kingdoms over Cattle, Treasures, and land

Written Language Sanskrit- Written language of the Indian people Recorded sales, trades, and land ownership. Over time hymns poems were written into the VEDAS- record of sacred text.

Indian Social System 4 total social classes called Varnas Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaisyas Sudras Untouchables (Pariah) Each social class was divided into thousands of smaller classes known as Jati. Which has its own dictation over marriage, diet, and social customs.

Family in Ancient India Was the center of Life Extended family lived together this included grandparents, parents, and children. Parents arranged all marriages and most children married in their teens. NO DIVORCES Eldest man in the family was the head of the household.

Religions in Ancient India (Hinduism) Hinduism- Oldest Religion in the World 3rd Largest Religion in the world Basic Concept- Every living thing has a soul that is part of Brahman (Universal Spirt)

Religions in Ancient India (Hinduism) Major Beliefs Reincarnation- Rebirth of a Soul Reincarnation and Karma are connected by a persons Dharma or personal duty. Major Deities Brahma- Creator Vishnu- The Preserver Shiva – The Destroyer

Religions in Ancient India (Buddhism) 500’s People wanted a more spiritual and peaceful faith Main way to achieve peaceful and spiritual peace is through Meditation Main Teacher- Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) Major world religion Most people who practice Buddhism live in Southwest Asia

Religions in Ancient India (Buddhism) Buddha’s Basic Teaching The world’s spirt was more important everyday spirt. Only reason that people suffers in life is they care to much about the wrong thing (fame, money, personal) 4 Noble Truths 8 Fold Path

Religions in Ancient India (Buddhism) Buddhism welcomes people from all walks of life Buddha explained that the success of life depends on peoples behaviors now Belief in Reincarnation which is reached by following the 8 fold path

Religions in Ancient India (Buddhism) 2 Main Groups in Buddhism today Theravada Buddhism- Believes Buddha was a teacher not god Mahayana Buddhism- Believes Buddha was god

The Mauryan Empire By 500Bc India was made up of small kingdoms During this time the Persians came in and conquered India. Alexander the Great conquered the Persians and left India in 325BC Gupta Maurya –took power and grew a very strong army Creating the Mauryan Dynasty

The Mauryan Empire Chandra Gupta ruler after Maurya”s Death Very strong ruler Skilled administrator Created a well runner government Effective postal system Powerful army Succeeded by grandson Ashoka

The Mauryan Empire Ashoka ruled at the height of the Empire Was a Fierce warrior but hated killing Decided to practice Buddhism and made it the official empire religion. Improved the life of all of his people Built more than 1,000 Buddhist Stupa of temples.

The Mauryan Empire THE FALL OF THE EMPIRE After Ashoka died many weak rulers came to power causing the empire to decline Indian’s rebelled in 183 BC against the government due to high taxes and the taking of land from peasants.

Ancient India’s Culture and Advancements Literature The Mahabharata – Ancient religious epic Best known section is the Bhagavad Gita (Song of the Lord) The Ramayana- The story of the perfect king

Ancient India’s Culture and Advancements MATH Algebra was used by Aryabhata Infinite Numbers discovered Number zero discovered

Ancient India’s Culture and Advancements Science Astronomy- Mapped the movement of the stars and the planets. Metalworking with Iron

Ancient India’s Culture and Advancements Medicine Dental Surgery Setting Broken Bones Sewing wounds Preforming advance Surgery