CLASSICAL INDIA Daily Objective:  To compare and contrast the social, political, and economic characteristics of the Classical Civilizations.

I. Vedic and Epic Ages ( BCE)  1500 B.C.E. - fall of the Indus River Valley Civilization (Harappa)  1500 – 600 B.C.E. – Formative Pre-classical Period  Nomadic Aryan invaders move in, begin building new civilization  Geographical shift to Ganges River  Emergence of rigid social structures and the Caste System  Combination of native Dravidian and Aryan religions creates Hinduism  Sanskrit: unifying written language spread

Aryans shift to the Ganges River

I. continued Early Religion and Culture  Vedas: religious texts of Aryans; collection of hymns and prayers  Later during Epic Age:  Upanishads Reflects blending ideas with native Dravidians Universal spirit, Brahman; if you live a good life, you can hope to be reincarnated to a higher caste, and eventually unite with the universal spirit

II. Political Development  Less cohesive/unified than classical China's political culture  Politically fragmented due to diverse geography (Regionalism)  Different types of gov't in different areas  Monarchies, assemblies of priests/warriors common  Warfare common  No single language or religion ever took root  Caste System firmly in place so political authority only of secondary importance  327 B.C.E. - Alexander the Great invades  322 B.C.E. - Chandragupta Maurya seizes power along the Ganges river, begins Mauryan dynasty  Borrows from Alexander the Great:  Large, powerful armies  Autocratic (absolute) ruler  Large bureaucracy

II. continued...  Mauryan dynasty united much of the sub-continent for 300 years  Grandson Ashoka ( BCE):  Conquered many regions with large armies  Converted to Buddhism after very bloody battle  Tried to promote peace, tolerance, nonviolence  Built extensive road networks with wells/rest stops  Invaders and political unrest led to decline of Mauryan dynasty  India returned to 500 years of fragmented regional kingdoms

II. continued...  Gupta dynasty centralized power (320 CE)  Under Gupta dynasty, longest period of political stability  Focused on negotiating with regional Kings rather than conquest  Promoted uniform law code  Supported higher education and arts  Hindu revival  Profitable trade  Considered “golden age” of Indian history  Fell in 535 CE to invading Huns

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 Achievements

III. Economy  Agriculture based  Most of population were farming peasants  Focus on trade and merchant activity  Merchants had high caste status  Trade within India and outside thanks to sea routes on Indian Ocean Trade network  Rivaled China in terms of technological advancement  Chemistry  Steel  Ironmaking  Manufacturing – cotton cloth, calico, cashmere

Extensive Trade: 4c Extensive Trade: 4c spices spices gold & ivory rice & wheat horses cotton goods silks

Rigid Social Hierarchy based on Aryan: Varnas Shudras: Common Laborers Vaishyas: Traders, farmers Kshatriyas: Warriers, governors Pariahs  Untouchables Brahmins:Priests IV. Social Structure

IV. continued...  Caste system becomes hereditary  Marriage between castes forbidden, punishable by death  Each caste subdivided into 300+ jati (livings) and people were assigned occupations  Gender relations  Patriarchal  Husbands & fathers were dominant figures  Arranged marriages became the norm  More emphasis on loving relations and sexual pleasure than Chinese; small children often pampered

V. Religion Hinduism – From the Sanskrit word, sindhu, meaning “river.” – No single founder - combination of beliefs – Spiritual leaders called gurus or sages – Polytheistic & pantheistic – “god is all” – Main beliefs: Brahma – is the entire universe (pantheism) Several gods over see different aspects of life Vishnu, Shiva Karma - actions in this life that affect the next Dharma - the religious and moral duties of an individual Caste system

V. continued... Buddhism – Founded by Siddhartha Guatama (Buddha= “Enlightened One”) An Indian Prince who lived in luxury and comfort yet realized life is full of suffering Meditated until he became enlightened – Basic Ideas: – It is important to live a moral life – The cause of suffering is desire for things such as riches, power and long life. – Enlightenment is achieved through meditation – The ultimate goal is nirvana - union with the universe and release from the cycle of rebirth.

V. concluded. Hinduism & Buddhism shared beliefs – Karma, reincarnation – keeping people bound to the earth – Emphasis on compassion and non-violence – Emphasize meditation and renouncing worldly things in order to reach the spiritual afterlife

Thesis Paragraph Analyze the similarities and difference in the social and gender structures of two of the following Classical Civilizations: Han China (206 B.C.E.–220 C.E.) Mauryan/Gupta India (320 B.C.E.–550 C.E.)

Key Vocabulary – Chapter 3 Buddha Alexander the Great Aryan Sanskrit Vedas Varnas Untouchables Chandragupta Maurya Mauryan dynasty Kushans Guptas Gurus Reincarnation Vishnu Shiva Nirvana Stupas