Ancient India Harappan Society arose in the Indus River Valley Subcontinent relatively isolated with a mixture of cultures Aryans moved south across Hindu Kush into India Developed agriculture and use of Iron – introduces in ME by Hittites Iron Plow, Irrigation, transformed region into rich agricultural region

Aryan contributions Chieftan- raja lead community Transformed into kings called maharaja *still required to follow dharma – laws and behavior standards Outside influence by Alexander the Great (Greeks) who left behind administrators who influenced the area for generations.

Chandragupta Maurya 324-301BCE Drove out Greeks and established empire Caste system Introduced by Aryans, social classification and determined occupation and status in society and hope for salvation (reincarnation)

Social Structure of Caste

Hinduism and Buddhism Reincarnation Karma – rebirth determined by actions in this life Brahman – highest in caste Dharma- law Siddhartha Gautama 8 fold path No caste system Middle path- right know., purpose, speech, conduct, occupation, awareness, meditation, effort Reincarnation Nirvana 4 noble truths

Ashoka 269-232BCE Began rule conquering and killing Converted to Buddhism Benevolent rule (grandson of Chandragupta Maurya)