Chapter 6.1 Geography of India Ancient India Chapter 6.1 Geography of India

Bellwork: THINK! 1. From where are the first people said to have migrated? 2. After early people decided to stop hunting and gathering their food, why do you think they chose to settle in these areas of the world? 3. Can you name these ancient civilizations?

After migrating north from Africa, early people settled along the Indus River to start their communities. Just like other civilizations, they started to farm and build their own communities by setting up a unique written language, trade system, and government.

The Geography of India India is a subcontinent Large landmass Smaller than a continent Part of the continent of Asia

Mountains, Plains, Valleys, and Rivers Oh my Mountains, Plains, Valleys, and Rivers Oh my! To what region in India would you migrate?

Major Geographic Landforms Himalayas- northern border Ganges and Indus Rivers most important rivers Deccan Plateau makes up southern part Himalayas Deccan Plateau

Mountains Himalayas Tallest mountain range in the world Contains Mt. Everest Tallest mountain peak in the world 29,000 feet tall (5.5 miles)

Mountains Hindu Kush Border India to the northwest

Plains and Valleys Fertile plains at the foot of the mountains Ganges Plain, Indus River Valley Owe rich soil to 3 great rivers Indus River Ganges River Brahmaputra River Rivers provide farming, transportation, trade

3 Major Rivers 1) Indus River = major river in Asia Flows through Pakistan Fed from glaciers in Himalayas

2) Ganges River Located in plains of northern India Holy River of Hinduism For most of its course it is a wide and sluggish stream, flowing through one of the most fertile and densely populated regions in the world. Despite its importance, its length of 1,560 miles (2,510 km) is relatively short compared with the other great rivers of Asia or of the world.

3) Brahmaputra River major river of Central and South Asia. It flows some 1,800 miles (2,900 km) from its source in the HIMALAYAS to its confluence with the GANGES (GANGA) RIVER, For most of its length, the river serves as an important inland waterway; it is not, however, parts of it you can not travel on In its lower course the river is both a creator and a destroyer—depositing huge quantities of fertile soil but also causing disastrous and frequent floods.

Other Landforms Along west coast, fertile lands Inland are two chains of mountains (Western and Eastern Ghats) Between mountains Deccan Plateau

Climate Monsoons-seasonal winds Winter-monsoons blow cold, dry air from Himalaya east to west Summer-warmer land temperatures cause the winds to change direction. Winds blow west to east-bring warm, wet air and pouring rains

The Indus Valley Civilizations About 5,000 years ago, nomads settled in Indus River Valley Think -- 3 reason: Why do you think they settled here? Modern day Pakistan Spread over western India and Pakistan

Work on and study all your student notes on Ch. 6 India (2 pages) Quiz tomorrow over India Vocab and Map Work on and study all your student notes on Ch. 6 India (2 pages)

The Indus Valley Civilizations About 5,000 years ago, nomads settled in Indus River Modern day Pakistan Spread over western India and Pakistan

Indus Valley Civilization Indus River Valley 2600 B.C. – 1900 B.C. Most were farmers

Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro Large cities Houses made of mud bricks Indoor plumbing Left no written records

Aryan Migrations and Settlements c.1900 B.C Indus Valley people left - drought - earthquakes and floods Aryans came from Asia - Ruled by rajas (prince)

Writing Aryans developed a written language, Sanskrit Vedas - sacred texts - songs, stories, and prayers

Caste System

Caste System Aryans developed social classes or groups Could never change groups Rules for life (marriage, work, and friendship) 4 classes called the varnas

Caste System The Brahmins were at the top - priests - most power Next were the Kshatriyas or the warriors Ran the government and army

Caste System Vaisyas - common people - farmers, craftspeople, and merchants Sudras manual workers and servants few rights largest group

Caste System Untouchables - too low to even be part of the system - live apart - did the dirty work

The Untouchables Video http://youtu.be/j31veR74gSo 7 mins