Ancient and Classical India World History

Early Society in South Asia Indus Valley Civilization centered around twin fortified cities: Harapan & Mohenjo-daro, declined > 2000 BCE Aryans – Indo-European Migrants from the Caspian Sea area arrived BCE ~ pastoral nomads, light-skinned, warrior culture ~ clashed with dark-skinned Dravidians (sedentary, agricultural) ~ established a society that was male dominated, dev. Sanskrit language, est. local kingdoms, dev. a social class system, & Hinduism

Hinduism Evolved from native and Aryan polytheistic beliefs No one single Holy Book – many books called the Vedas Brahman - supreme being – creator of the universe (not worshipped directly by the masses) Vishnu – the sustainer – protects humanity Shiva – the destroyer – destroys the universe so that the cycle may begin again Hindus believe the universe has been created and destroyed many times Dharma: the duties of a person according to their Varna Follow your dharma – achieve good karma

Your Karma in this life determines your form in the next life (higher or lower Varna) Reincarnation – cycle of life and rebirth Goal: to escape this cycle and be reunited with Brahman Effects of Hinduism on Society ~ reinforced social hierarchy ~ promoted high ethical standards ~ respect for all living things ~ promotes a vegetarian diet and honors the sacred cow

Around and Around it goes, Like Shiva, the Cosmic dancer. Reincarnation

Social Classes (Varnas) Castes determined by the previous life caste system is a rigid social system that allows for NO social change Occupation, marriage, education, even diet is determined by hereditary caste Promoted social harmony – everyone followed rules of behavior Pariahs are not part of the system and are called untouchables b/c they are considered dirty Brahmans: priests Kshatriyas: warriors, rulers Viasyas: common people, merchants, artisans, farmers Sudras: unskilled laborers, servants Pariahs: untouchables, slaves

Women subservient in the home but are allowed property rights and could divorce under certain conditions.

Political Identically planned cities and construction suggests a strong central government

Economic Traded long distances – Artifacts show they traded with the Sumerians

Religious Links to modern Hindu Culture – Shiva- is a major Hindu god Cows were sacred

Social Civilization was generally stable Same kinds of houses suggests little social differences Toys were found for children – this shows prosperity since they can make things they do not NEED to survive

Intellectual Advanced plumbing – Private bath and toilet for every house – Toilets made of brick with wooden seats – Pipes connected underground sewer system

Achievements Sophisticated city planning – very detailed and organized – Used a grid system Citadel – a fortified area surrounded by a wall that protected the major buildings in the city – Public buildings, granaries and religious quarters

Harappa

Mohenjo Daro

Geography Wall of Mountains- sepereated India from the rest of Asia – Hindu Kush – Himalaya – Karakoram This created an Indian Sub-Continent Monsoons – trade winds that brought rain in the summer and dry wind in the winter Major Rivers- – Indus – Ganges