Foundations, Politics, and Culture Classical India Foundations, Politics, and Culture

The Indian Subcontinent India has three topographical zones: Northern mountainous zone Indus and Ganges Basins The peninsula - divided into another four sub-regions

Social System Origins Aryan migrants create social order Migrated south from central Asia Hereditary- defines societal roles and occupation Varna = “color” - racial differences becomes the castes Based upon idea that people are different, should have different roles

Four Varnas Brahmans / Priests - intellectual and spiritual leaders Kshatriya / Warriors and aristocrats - protectors of society Vaishyas / Merchants, farmers, artisans - skilled producers Shundras / unskilled labor Untouchables - outside of caste system

Characteristics Caste defined occupation, diet, social interactions, style of dress Shundras, untouchables excluded - could not read/hear Vedas Duty of monarch to maintain system Lack of individualism

Hinduism unifying force not monolithic – allowed religious diversity No single founder or central holy figure Karma – worldly pleasured Dharma – religious path Divinities Brahma – the creator Shiva – the destroyer Vishnu – the preserver Reincarnation Cremation

Buddhism Monks Monistaries Sidarttha Gautama (ca 563–483 B.C.E.) Buddha = enlightened one rejected caste system Emphasized self-control Materialism caused suffering Nirvana = state of enlightenment Monks Monistaries Spread religion to China, Korea, Japan, & Sri Lanka

Historical Patterns in India Culture: Caste system / Hinduism preserves social system across history Economics: Trade becomes a constant - part of Silk Roads, Indian Ocean Network, and more Politics: eras of invasion and conquest by foreigners, large empires then falls into regional kingdoms 

Mauryan Empire Kingdom of Magadha expands under Chandragupta 324 BCE - 184 BCE Early outside influences Alexander the Great Invades in 327 BCE - destroyed all regional kingdoms Kingdom of Magadha expands under Chandragupta Defeats remnants of Alexanders army

Ashoka Converted to Buddhism - spreads it around India Conquered most of sub-continent Encouraged trade, expanded agriculture, built roads Converted to Buddhism - spreads it around India Used Rock and Pillar Edicts to proclaim his rule Mauryan declines after his death

Gupta Empire (320-500 CE) Founded by Maharaja Sri Gupta Considered Golden Age of India advances in math and astronomy Decentralized government (contrast to Mauryan) Left regional control to local leaders

Hindu Revival - Gupta Decline of Mauryan Empire = decline of Buddhism in India Brahmans make it more appealing to common people Stressed importance of personal worship, devotion to individual gods Karma acquired by completion of caste duties / obligations

Supported Hinduism - restored Brahmans in gov’t Extensive building of temples Caste system reasserted / solidified into Indian culture - more rigid Expanded with new Jatis Further restrictions put on Untouchables