Early Civilizations of India and Pakistan Chapter 3 section 1

Geography of the Indian Subcontinent Subcontinent – large landmass that juts out from a continent Three zones: Gangetic Plain (N), dry Decan plateau (raised area of leveled land), and coastal plains

Monsoons Affect Climate Monsoons – seasonal winds that may bring downpours Welcomed for crops Can produce deadly floods

Indus Civilization Rises and Falls Earliest South Asian civilization started in present day Pakistan Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were possibly twin capitals

Making a Living by Farming and Trading Most people were farmers Wheat, barley, melons, dates First to cultivate and weave cotton Merchants and traders Cotton cloth, grain, copper, pearls, ivory

Indus Civilization Indus people were polytheistic Certain animals were sacred Buffalo and bull Then the civilization declined Why? Damage to local environment, flooding, earthquake…

Aryan Civilization Develops During the Vedic Age Nomads flocked towards Central Asia Nomads married locals and called themselves Aryans Acculturation – blending of two or more cultures Most of what we know come from Vedas – a collection of hymns, chants, and rituals

From Nomadic Life to Farming Began to cultivate crops and breed cattle Made tools out of iron Tribes were led by rajahs ruled with the help of elders in the tribe

Aryan Structure Society Social structure was based on occupation

Aryan Religious Beliefs Develop Polytheistic Worshipped gods and goddesses who embodied natural forces Sky, sun, storm, fire Indra – God of war

Aryan Religious Beliefs Develop Some moved towards brahman – a single spiritual power that existed beyond the many gods of the Vedas Mystics would seek direct communion with divine forces Through meditation and yoga