Classical India
Geography of India India much closer to other civilizations- trade with Middle East and later with China * Topography- Himalayas in the north separated it from the rest of Asia Most important agricultural regions- Ganges and Indus rivers Divisions within the subcontinent made full unity difficult Summer brings monsoon rains, crucial for farming- but monsoon unreliable
Vedic and Epic ages (c BCE) Aryans (Indo-European) migrants- hunting and herding peoples originally from central Asia Vedas- sacred books of the Aryans o Rig-Veda hymns dedicated to the Aryan gods o Mahabharata- India’s greatest epic poem o Ramayana o Upanishads- epic poems with a more mystical religious flavor Encouraged tight levels of village organization Indian caste system takes shape- partly because Aryan invaders saw indigenous people as inferior
Mauryan Dynasty 322 BCE soldier named Chandragupta Maurya seized power along the Ganges River (in reaction to Alexander the Great pushing in) Maintained large armies, substantial bureaucracy (postal service) Autocratic style of government- relying on ruler’s personal and military power Ashoka ( BCE) - Chandragupta’s grandson extended Mauryan control; converted to Buddhism and spread Buddhism throughout much of India; improved trade and communication After Ashoka the empire began to fall apart and regional kingdoms surfaced again Kushans- invaders who took over for a brief period until 220 CE
Indian Stupa
Gupta Starting in 320 CE (after period of instability) new large empire Great impact- expanded influence without constant fighting; greatest period of political stability Overturned in 535 CE by the Huns
Political Institutions Strong regionalism, which meant that even great empires had a weak foundation Political culture not elaborate- no formal political theory and few institutions or values that carried over Caste rules, interpreted by priests, regulated many social relationships and work roles o Divided from five classes to over 300 o Stronger hereditary principles o Allowed India’s people to live together without perpetual conflict o Because of the loyalty to these rules, no state could command similar loyalty Religion was the cement !!
Economy Economy became vigorous- rivaling China New uses for chemistry- steel the best in the world Emphasis on trade and merchant activity far greater than in China Merchants enjoyed relatively high caste status and flexibility Remained agricultural at its base
Trade in the Ancient World Theme of the Era- increased trade networks and communication Trade often conducted by nomads living along the trade routes 3 networks: Silk Road, Indian Ocean, Saharan Trade Goods, Inventions, Culture diffused- i.e. the stirrup Technological inventions in sailing- i.e. the lateen sail in the Indian Ocean
Hinduism Origins in the Vedic and Epic Ages No founder, no central figure so it unfolded gradually Encouraged economic and political goals Very tolerant Upanishads- stressed the shallowness of worldly concerns Provided several channels for the good life Supplied some unity Allowed people to hold on to some older rituals
Buddhism C. 563 BCE Siddhartha Gautama was born Argued for the individual and went against the caste system and the priests Wasn’t able to hold a strong portion of India ultimately
Other Cultural Developments Indian thinkers wrote actively about human life Important work in math and science Vast university center (Guptas) Strides in astronomy and medicine Numbering system is the one we use today Concept of zero and negative numbers Lively art including stupas- shrines to Buddha
Society Caste system Family life also emphasized the them of hierarchy and tight organization Dominance of husbands and fathers Arranged marriages Women, however, were celebrated in stories and theory was much harsher than practice
Influence of Classical India Indian ocean dominated by Indian merchants India had considerable political influence Many Indian merchants married into wealthy royal families in SE Asia Spread of Buddhism and Hinduism