India and Hinduism Locate and label physical features and early river civilizations of the Indus River Valley Explain how India’s geography impacted the development of early settlements Discuss legacy of Indo-European migrations including Aryans Explain development and central beliefs of Hinduism Illustrate central beliefs on a Mandala Indus River Objectives

On what continent is India? Asia How would you describe the Geography of India? Take 30 seconds and talk to your neighbor.

Mountains: Himalayas Hindu-Kush Karakoram Rivers: Indus Ganges Other features: Deccan plateau Eastern and Western Ghats Khyber pass Important geographic features:

India is considered a subcontinent because: It is surrounded on three sides by water (it is a peninsula) Mountains to the northwest and northeast separate it from the rest of Asia What are monsoons? Hindu Kush Himalayas Winter and summer winds that blow across India Karakoram

India in the summer

Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were the first civilizations of India and they developed on the Indus River. Why did they develop in this location?

Flooding along the Indus River was unpredictable. It did leave behind nutrient- rich silt which made the soil fertile for farming. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro developed around 3200 BCE.

Historians know less about Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro because the writing system has never been decoded.

Evidence of planned cities and indoor plumbing (toilets!)

Artifacts show links to modern Hindu Culture – Shiva- is a major Hindu god Worshipped Cows

Cows are sacred today in India

By 1750 BCE, The Indus River civilizations had declined. No one really knows why. Theories surrounding the decline: Sudden natural disaster Over farming Invasion, possibly by an Indo- European people called the Aryans. The Ganges River in the east would become the center of later civilizations in India.

As the Indus River Valley civilizations declined, new civilizations formed along the Ganges River Indus R. Ganges River

Aryans, an Indo- European people, had migrated into India blending Aryan beliefs with the beliefs of the Indians (Dravidians). These Aryan beliefs were hymns. They were later written down and called the Vedas. They became the foundation of Hinduism. Aryan Migration

The Aryans sought to separate themselves from the darker skinned Indians (Dravidians). A structured and divided society developed known as the Caste System. The Caste System

The Caste system was rigid. It influenced all social interactions including marriage arrangements and occupations. Social classes were divided by occupation. Aryan Varnas Dravidians

The Caste system was rooted in Hinduism. Each Varna represents a body part of the god, Purusha, from the Vedas and each Varna represents occupations in society. Brahmin Kshatriya Vaisya Sudra

Can you identify which Varna is which?

India’s religion developed from the blended beliefs of the Aryans and Dravidians. No founder Belief in many forms of one god, Brahma, the Creator. Brahma Hinduism

Vishnu the Preserver

Shiva the Destroyer

Hinduism: Monotheistic or Polytheistic? Talk to your neighbor Indra

Hinduism is a way of life in India. Hindus rise early and bathe in the sacred Ganges River

Hindus burn incense and offer prayer

Hindus practice Yoga. Yoga is about meditation and mind control over body. Spiritual Discipline

Can you do this?

The popularity of yoga in the west is an example of ……. Cultural Diffusion

Central Beliefs of Hinduism Belief in many forms of one god Reincarnation: Rebirth based upon karma Karma = deeds. Knowledge that all thoughts and actions result in future consequences. Vedas and Upanishads are sacred writings Spread along major trade routes

Reincarnation means “Rebirth”. An individual spirit (ATMAN) is born again and again until Moksha is achieved. The cycle of reincarnation is called “Samsara.”

A state of perfect understanding of all things and release from life in this world. Moksha

Karma is the sum of your good deeds throughout your life. Good Karma results in reincarnation to a higher Varna in the Caste system until Moksha is achieved. Dharma is the religious law or moral duty to follow Hindu scriptures.

Two sacred texts are important to Hindus: The Vedas are sacred hymns. Interpretations of the Vedas

Jainism also developed at this time in India. Jains believe that everything in the universe has a soul and should not be harmed. They practice non- violence even to insects.