Ancient Civilizations: India Maurya & Gupta Empires

Geography & Environment

The Geography On which continent is India located? Asia; India is a subcontinent of Asia Subcontinent: a large landmass smaller than a continent; especially : a major subdivision of a continent <the Indian subcontinent>

Wildlife Ganesa God of removing obstacles. The one of the most prominent gods. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZL9Dz9Z7lE&feature=plcp Elephants are an important cultural icon in India. According to Indian mythology, the gods (deva) and the demons (asura) churned the oceans in a search for the elixir of life - 'amrit' (nectar) - so that they would become immortal. As they did so, the 'navratnas' (nine jewels) surfaced, one of which was the elephant.

The Geography On which river did the ancient Indians settle? The Indus & Ganges Rivers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXmqi7a2eWY

EWWWWWW http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXmqi7a2eWY The 3rd/5th most polluted river in the world http://zuzutop.com/2010/02/10-ugly-rivers-of-the-world/

Early Indian Empires

The Mauryan Empire

Mauryan Empire Established in 322 BC by the great Indian military leader, Chandragupta Maurya

Mauryan Empire Politically united North India for the first time ever Created a highly effective government; included tax collection & the enforcement of laws

Mauryan Empire In 269 BC Asoka, Chandragupta’s grandson, became emperor of the Mauryan Empire

Mauryan Empire After many years of violent conquest, Asoka felt remorseful

Mauryan Empire Converted to Buddhism & ruled by Buddha’s teaching of “peace to all beings” Spread Buddhism throughout India & other parts of Asia via missionaries

Asoka’s Rock Edicts Laws carved on rock pillars were placed throughout the empire Stressed concern for other human beings Ashoka asked people to live with harmony, peace, love and tolerance. He was the first emperor in human history who has taught the lesson of unity , peace, equality and love. Ashoka's aim was not to expand the territories but the welfare of all of his subjects.

The Gupta Empire

Gupta Empire After the fall of the Mauryan Empire India experienced 500 years of chaos Finally in AD 320 a strong leader known as Chandra Gupta rose to power in Northern India

Gupta Empire 320 AD to 535 AD India’s “Golden Age,” or the flourishing of arts & sciences

Gupta’s Golden Age Achievements in Mathematics: Principles of algebra Infinity & Zero Value of Pi Arabic numerals  1, 2, 3…

Gupta’s Golden Age Achievements in Science: Earth is round Identified 7 planets Invented medical instruments, performed operations, set bones, etc.

Quick Review: Mauryan or Gupta? Chandragupta Mauryan

Quick Review: Mauryan or Gupta? Asoka

Quick Review: Mauryan or Gupta? Golden Age

Quick Review: Mauryan or Gupta? First to unite Northern India

Quick Review: Mauryan or Gupta? Creation of 0 and Arabic Numbers

Quick Review: Mauryan or Gupta? Rock Edicts

Quick Review: Mauryan or Gupta? Advances in Science

The THREE PILLARS of Indian Life

1) The Caste System The Caste System: System of social hierarchy within India 5 different castes (social classes)

Untouchables: Outcasts = outside caste system Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaisyas Sudras Priests Nobles, warriors, royalty Caste System Merchants & skilled workers Servants, peasants, slaves, laborers Untouchables: Outcasts = outside caste system

Caste Purity? Members of higher castes were considered more pure Untouchables were considered spiritually polluted; ignored by members of other castes

Caste Roles Different castes were viewed as being different species Castes were separated from each other (location, housing, clothing, occupation, etc.)

Caste Roles If you were obedient to the restrictions of your caste, you would be reincarnated into a higher caste

2) Family One was aware of his or her caste from childhood It was the FAMILY’S responsibility to teach children about caste, as well as their expected duties/behaviors

2) Family Family needs ALWAYS came before individual wishes Patriarchal society

3) Village Community served as the heart of Indian life Community needs ALWAYS came before individual wishes

3) Village Different castes lived together in the SAME village WHY IS THIS SO?

Relay