Early Indian Civilization The Indus and the Ganges rivers were the two main bodies of water which influenced early Indian civilization. India’s first civilization grew up in the Indus River Valley. In an Indian household, the head of the family was the father. In an Hindus society, the purpose of caste rules was to ensure spiritual unity.*

Indian Caste System According to Hindu beliefs, a persons social status could be changed by reincarnation. Both Hindus and Buddhists believe in nonviolence. The highest class in Aryan society were the Brahmins. The Aryans divided people into classes by occupation.*

More Indian Society Facts Well-planned cities suggested that the Indus valley cities had a well-organized government. The Vedas tell us about the life of the Aryans. The lowest class in Aryan society was the Sudras.*

Early Chinese Civilizations Confucius taught the Chinese people that their most important duty was respect for parents. The Mandate of Heaven is the idea responsible for the dynastic cycle. The Huang He was nicknamed the “River of Sorrows” because it often flooded and destroyed crops. Because of its geographical isolation, China developed a unique civilization.*

Chinese Contributions oThe Chinese system of writing was difficult to learn because it used thousands of characters. oA novel Chinese contribution was the invention of silkmaking. oThe trade route which linked China with the West became known as the Silk Road. oThe Chinese invented the rudder to steer sea going vessels.*

Important Indian and Chinese Definitions Clan- a group of families who claim a common ancestor. Feudalism- system of government in which local lords govern their own land, but owe loyalty to the ruler. Monsoon- a seasonal wind. Rajah- An Aryan tribal chief.*

Indian and Chinese Terms Subcontinent- a large land mass that juts out from the continent. Brahman- a single spiritual power that resides in all things. Calligraphy- an artistic form of handwriting. Dynastic cycle- the rise and fall of dynasties. Ideograph- a sign that expresses a thought or idea.*

More Chinese and Indian Terms Filial piety- respect for parents. Patriarchal- headed by the father or oldest male. Reincarnation- rebirth of the soul in another bodily form. Karma- the actions of a person’s life that affect his/her fate in the next life. Nirvana- the final goal in Buddhism – union with the universe and release form the cycle of rebirth.*

Just about done with India and China Vishnu- Hindu god known as the “preserver”. Brahma- Hindu god known as the “creator”. Confucius- philosopher whose ideas shaped Chinese civilization. Siddhartha Gautama- founder of Buddhism. Shi Huangdi- harsh ruler who called for the construction of the Great Wall.*

Last but not least… Legalism- the way to achieve order was through strict laws and harsh punishment. Confucianism- “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Daoism- rejected the world of conflict, emphasizing the virtue of yielding.***

All Done!!!