Aryans ~ Maurya ~ Gupta

Himalayas – tallest mountains in the world Ganges River – sacred river fed by the snow of the Himalayas Indus River – drier than Ganges Deccan Plateau – relatively dry Coasts – historically the most populated

Summer – warm moist wind from the southwest Winter – cold, dry wind from the northeast

War-like people from southern Russia invaded the Indus Valley around 1500 BCE. Superior technology: horses, chariots, bronze weapons. Brought herds of cattle, goats, and sheep. There is a vague reference to the conquest of city dwellers in Aryan oral tradition.

Aryans created a new civilization along the forested Ganges River. Abandoned nomadic life to become farmers. Mingled with Dravidians (Indus Valley people they conquered). Knowledge of Aryans came from Vedas – a collection of prayers, hymns, and religious teachings that were first memorized and recited by Aryan priests.

Lived in tribes (groups of related families) led by rajahs (warrior chiefs). Advised by council of elders (heads of families). Warfare continued as different tribes battled for control.

Loved feasting, music, chariot races, dice games, and cattle. Wealth was measured in cows and bulls. Word for war meant “more cattle.” Later, the slaughter of cattle was forbidden, but they were used for milk, plowing, and transportation. Polytheistic Developed the Sanskrit language.

Four Castes Brahmins – priests Kshatriyas – warriors Vaisyas – herders, farmers, artisans, and merchants Sudras – farmworkers, servants, laborers They were Dravidians. Outcastes (Untouchables or Pariahs ) had unclean occupations. Began as children of upper castes with Sudras or non-Hindus.

Brahmins = mouth Kshatriyas = arms Vaisyas = thighs Sudras = feet

BCE Well-administered government Governors supervised tax collecting, road repair, justice, and defense. Brutal, yet efficient, secret police ensured honesty of governors. Pataliputra had schools, libraries, parks, temples, and palaces.

Expanded Maurya Empire to its greatest size. After 100,000 were slaughtered in a battle, he converted to Buddhism and ruled by moral example. Promoted peace and religious tolerance. Sent out missionaries.

Golden Age of peace and prosperity Great advances in the arts and sciences Concept of zero Decimal System Hindu-Arabic Numerals replaced Roman numerals in the 700s Medicine included plastic surgery and bone setting.

Rajah – local ruler who controlled many villages Headman – wealthy farmer ran the village Extended (joint) family – dominated by eldest male included several generations in the same home Patriarchal

In early Aryan society women had decent status – declined later. At marriage, women joined husband’s family – dowry was expected. Widows encouraged to commit suttee –suicide by throwing themselves on their husband’s funeral fire. Polygamy common in higher castes.

Even today, three-fourths of Indians in villages ranging from several hundred to a couple thousand families separated by caste. Many homes are one-story mud huts of one or several rooms. One quarter of the population lives in urban areas. Many live in slums. One of every six people on the planet lives in India.