India’s First Civilizations Chapter 4 Section 1

Did You Know? As dangerous as monsoon flooding can be, drought is much more devastating to the people of India. In 1770, the rains did not come, and a famine occurred because of the drought. As dangerous as monsoon flooding can be, drought is much more devastating to the people of India. In 1770, the rains did not come, and a famine occurred because of the drought. About 10 million people died in Bengal, an Indian state. About 10 million people died in Bengal, an Indian state.

The Land of India India is a subcontinent because it is separated from the rest of Asia by the Himalayas, the highest mountains in the world. India is a subcontinent because it is separated from the rest of Asia by the Himalayas, the highest mountains in the world. The Indian subcontinent holds five nations: The Indian subcontinent holds five nations: India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. India has 2 fertile river valleys created by the: India has 2 fertile river valleys created by the: Indus River and Ganges River Indus River and Ganges River A monsoon is a strong wind that blows one direction in winter and the opposite direction in the summer. A monsoon is a strong wind that blows one direction in winter and the opposite direction in the summer. Monsoons bring rain in summer. Monsoons bring rain in summer.

The Land of India continued The 1st civilization in India arose near the Indus River after the river flooded and left fertile soil behind. The 1st civilization in India arose near the Indus River after the river flooded and left fertile soil behind. This civilization started about 3000 B.C. and lasted until about 1500 B.C. This civilization started about 3000 B.C. and lasted until about 1500 B.C. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were large, well-planned cities in ancient India. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were large, well-planned cities in ancient India. The cities had wells, drains for wastewater, garbage chutes, and organized governments. The cities had wells, drains for wastewater, garbage chutes, and organized governments. House made from mud bricks. House made from mud bricks. Most people were farmers. Most people were farmers. They grew wheat, barley, peas, and cotton. They grew wheat, barley, peas, and cotton. City dwellers were artisans, who made jewelry, pottery, tools, and cloth. City dwellers were artisans, who made jewelry, pottery, tools, and cloth. Harappans traded goods with people from other lands. Harappans traded goods with people from other lands.

Discussion Question Why do archaeologists thinks that Harappan religion and politics were closely connected? Why do archaeologists thinks that Harappan religion and politics were closely connected? The royal palace and the temple were enclosed in the fortress. The royal palace and the temple were enclosed in the fortress.

The Aryans The Aryans came from central Asia where they raised and herded cattle. The Aryans came from central Asia where they raised and herded cattle. They were part of a larger group referred to as Indo- Europeans. They were part of a larger group referred to as Indo- Europeans. The Aryans were expert warriors and hunters. The Aryans were expert warriors and hunters. They had metal-tipped spears and wooden chariots. They had metal-tipped spears and wooden chariots. The Aryan civilization expanded into all of the Indian subcontinent except the southern tip of India. The Aryan civilization expanded into all of the Indian subcontinent except the southern tip of India. Aryans became farmers but continued to raise cattle. Aryans became farmers but continued to raise cattle. The cattle were so important, the Aryans declared them sacred. The cattle were so important, the Aryans declared them sacred. Aryans invented an iron plow and built canals to improve farming. Aryans invented an iron plow and built canals to improve farming. Aryan written language was called Sanskrit. Aryan written language was called Sanskrit. Aryan tribes were led by a raja, or prince Aryan tribes were led by a raja, or prince

Discussion Question Why were cattle such a prized possession? Why were cattle such a prized possession? They provided meat, milk, and butter and were used as money. They provided meat, milk, and butter and were used as money.

Society in Ancient India A caste is a social group that someone is born into and cannot change. A caste is a social group that someone is born into and cannot change. The Aryans believed in four classes, or varnas. The Aryans believed in four classes, or varnas. The top two varnas were: The top two varnas were: Brahmins, or priests, Brahmins, or priests, Kshatriyas, or warriors who ran the government and army. Kshatriyas, or warriors who ran the government and army. Next class included common people, such as merchants and farmers. Next class included common people, such as merchants and farmers. Below them were laborers and servants. Below them were laborers and servants. The lowest level did not belong to any varna. The lowest level did not belong to any varna. These people, called the Untouchables, did work the others did not want to do. These people, called the Untouchables, did work the others did not want to do. Men’s lives were considered more important than women’s lives. Men’s lives were considered more important than women’s lives. In most cases, only men could inherit property, go to school, or become priests. In most cases, only men could inherit property, go to school, or become priests. A boy from a top varna was often taught by a guru. A boy from a top varna was often taught by a guru. Parents arranged marriages, and divorce was not allowed. Parents arranged marriages, and divorce was not allowed.

Discussion Question Under the caste system in India, what aspects of life were affected by a person’s caste? Under the caste system in India, what aspects of life were affected by a person’s caste? A person’s caste affected what job they had, who they married, and who they could socialize with. A person’s caste affected what job they had, who they married, and who they could socialize with.