India in the Medieval Period

By 400 AD, India had developed a sophisticated religious and social system. The “Vedas” (holy books) preserved their poems, legends, history, and religious practices.

You asked me to explain the mystic doctrine. The mystic doctrine has been explained to you. We have told you the mystic doctrine of God. Discipline, restraint, and work are its foundation. The Vedas are all its limbs. Truth is its home. Whoever knows this, overcoming sin, is firmly established in infinite heaven--- yes, firmly established. - Kena Upanishad (Don’t copy this, just read.)

India’s social structure used: 1. Fixed social classes (castes). Priests, warriors/rulers, merchants/artisans, and unskilled labor. 2. Dharma-the concept of duty. 3. Common religious beliefs.

Indian religion evolved into Hinduism. This had its roots in the Vedas. Hinduism speaks of a “universal spirit” present within all life. They believe that all souls are part of a larger, eternal spirit.

Hinduism also promotes a “cycle of rebirth” (reincarnation). This cycle is determined by karma. How you live your life determines your next one.

As Hinduism evolved some people emphasized different aspects. Jainism emphasized the sacredness of ALL life. They swept sidewalks so they would not step on bugs.

Buddhism’s 4 Noble Truths: 1. All people suffer. 2. People suffer because their desires bind them to reincarnation. 3. Suffering ends if desire ends. 4. Desire can end by following the “Eightfold Path.”

The Eightfold Path: Know the truth, resist evil, say nothing to hurt others, respect life, control your thoughts, work for the good of others, free your minds of evil, and practice meditation. By doing this, you might attain Nirvana (freedom from the cycle.)

In 310 AD, Chandagupta I began to build an Indian empire. The arts and sciences flourished. They even invented Arabic numerals.

By the year 600, India began to fragment into smaller states, but their culture continued to thrive.

Throughout the rest of the medieval period (up to 1450), India has little influence on world events. Yawn...

Why didn’t India get out of the Medieval Period first? Fragmentation of Empires Caste System Geography (Himalayas and oceans isolated them)