Chapter 3 Notes Ancient India

2. Aryans (2500BC – 322BC) Group of nomadic tribes who had originally inhabited Central Asia Tall, fair haired, with clear cut features, they settled in Punjab, in the Indus Valley River region. Fought with the original people of Indus Valley Civilization, who were dark skin and known as Dasyus or Dravidians The superiority of the Aryans resulted in the Dravidian submission and retirement to the south.

The Aryan society was very well organized, ruled by a monarch. Practiced the four Vedas Caste system was introduced and practiced, based on one’s profession: Brahmins: Priests, teachers, intellectuals Khsatriyas: Warriors, soldiers Vashya: Traders, merchants, peasants Shudras: People in service of others

Varna (Social Hierarchy) Shudras Vaishyas Kshatriyas Pariahs [Harijan]  Untouchables Brahmins

Vedic Philosophy The Vedas are the oldest written text on our planet today. They date back to the beginning of Indian civilization and are the earliest literary records of the human mind. They have been passed through oral tradition for over 10,000 years, and first appeared in written form between ,000 years ago. Veda means “Knowledge” in Sanskrit. Please click to advance >

Destroyer Shiva Preserver Vishnu Creator Brahman The Trinity

Mauryan Dynasty Chandragupta Maurya Organizes to fight invasion by Alexander (325 BCE). Characterized by: Large armies ( thousands of elephants, chariots, etc.) Bureaucracy Autocracy ( marked by strong military and government control)

Ashoka Grandson of Chandragupta Led lavish lifestyle Extended Mauryan conquests Bloodthirsty and Brutal ….but then…. Converted to Buddhism Urged humane behavior Helped progress by investing in roads for trade, technology, etc.

Buddhism

Quest for Answers Siddhartha was born a prince, but he questioned the meaning of life. Determined to find answers using: Meditation Fasting Learning from different teachers Enlightenment Found it under the Tree of Wisdom while meditating Called the Buddha (Enlightened One) Spent the rest of his life traveling and teaching his ideas Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)

E. Napp Around 320 A.D., another great Indian empire emerged. It was known as the Gupta empire.

E. Napp The Gupta Empire The rulers of the Gupta empire encouraged peace, prosperity, and trade. The Gupta empire is considered a golden age of Hindu culture. A golden age is a time of peace, prosperity, and great achievements.

Medicine Literature Mathematics Astronomy Printed medicinal guides 1000 diseases classified Plastic Surgery C-sections performed Inoculations 500 healing plants identified Decimal System Concept of Zero PI = Kalidasa Solar Calendar The earth is round Gupta India Gupta Achievement s

1 Billion people, 1 Billion Deities ! Rama Ganesha Saraswati Lakshmi Nanak BuddhaChristDevi Krsna Murugan

Sights of India

Mount Kailas, Himalayas “abode of snow” – in Sanskrit

“Gods blessed region”, Kerala

Western Thar Desert, Rajasthan

The Beauty of Kashmir

Varanasi, Ganges River