Geography of India/First Cities A subcontinent- a large landmass that is smaller than a continent. Separated from the rest of their continents by physical features. Himalayas- largest mountains in the world Hindu Kush- mountains west of the Himalayas Indus- location of India’s first civilization, present day Pakistan

Climate Hot and Humid Monsoons- wind patterns that cause wet and dry seasons Summer- wet and rainy Winter- dry and warm

India’s First Cities Harappan Civilization- city of Harappa, Pakistan The first two large cities were Harappa and Mohenjo. Very advanced. The first people with indoor plumbing. Developed the first Indian writing system

Aryan Migration A new civilization formed after the Harappan. They were called the Arayans. What we know about the Arayans comes from religious writings known as Vedas. Vedas- collections of poems, myths, hymns, and rituals.

Gov.’t, Society and Language Lived in small communities based on family ties. No single authority A skilled warrior in each group was their leader. Villages were governed by rajas. Rajas- a leader who ruled a village and the land around it.

Language Sanskirt- the language in which Aryan poems and hymns was composed. The most important language in India.