Early Civilizations and Empires World History Chapter 3 Sections 1 and 3 Early Civilizations and Empires of India and Pakistan

Physical Geography of India

Geography of the Subcontinent India is isolated from the rest of Asia by the Hindu Kush and Himalayan mountain ranges. The Northern Gangetic Plain sits at the feet of the two mountain ranges and is the most fertile farming area. The climate of India is controlled by the monsoons, wet and dry seasonal wind patterns.

Rise of the Indus Valley Civilization The Indus Valley civilization emerged around 2600 B.C. (500 yrs. after Egypt, 800 yrs. after Sumer) The Indus people built a number of cities known for their organization and advanced public works. The civilization lasted for 700 yrs. And traded with other cultures as far away as the Arabian Peninsula.

Fall of the Indus Valley Civilization Around 1900 B.C. the archaeological evidence begins to show a civilization in decline. While we do not know the cause of the fall the evidence points to sudden catastrophic end. Nearly all of our knowledge of the Indus is based on artifacts because we have not deciphered the sparse written records that have been recovered.

The Aryan Civilization Around the time of the demise of the Indus a new culture moved to India from Europe and Central Asia known as the Aryans. The Aryans left little written records or artifacts but their influence can be traced through the Vedic texts. The nomadic Aryans settled into villages in Northern India and began to develop kingdoms.

Aryan Society Aryan society was divided into social classes based upon occupation. Brahmins – religious priests Kshatriyas – warriors Vaisyas – farmers, artisans, and merchants Sudras – non-Aryans, servants, and laborers Dalits – those relegated to work no other caste would do

Aryan Religion Aryan religion is the primary but not sole basis for modern Hinduism. Aryan religion was polytheistic and animistic with a primary god of war named Indra. Aryan religion also shows henotheistic tendencies as the concept of Brahman – a spiritual force beyond even the gods.

The Maurya Empire The Maurya ruled northern India for 140 years. The empire was united by an advanced road system but controlled through violent oppression. This characteristic was changed under the rule of Asoka who rejected violence following his conversion to Buddhism.

The Gupta Empire After 500 years of disunity the Gupta empire reunited most of India. Under the Gupta India increased farm production, and trade using the new wealth to fund cultural development.

Indian Contributions to Learning Indian mathematicians developed our modern number system. India also developed the concept of zero and the decimal system. Indian physicians made advances in medicine and surgery but most importantly the practice of vaccinations.

Family Life in India The ideal family setting in India was a Joint or extended family setting, multiple generations in a single dwelling. Indian families were patriarchal but tradition and religious law constrained complete authority. Families made important decisions for children such as marriage arrangements based upon caste and family considerations.

The Roles of Women and Class Roles and privileges for women varied by class with upper-class women experiencing greater restrictions. Women were believed to be in need of direction provided by their husbands and their primary duties were limited to marriage and child-rearing. A woman’s reincarnation depended primarily on her devotion to her husband to the point of death.