1. Unit 1 Section 6
Ancient India TYWL: How were ancient civilizations and empires able to development, grow and create a lasting impact? How has conflict and innovation influenced political, religious, economic and social changes in medieval civilizations?
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INDIA

2. Question of the Day 2
The exchange of silks and spices and the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Roads are examples of
(1) cultural diffusion (3) ethnocentrism
(2) self-sufficiency (4) desertification

3. Early India & Geography
Early Indian civilizations developed in the Indus River valley
India is separated from the rest of Asia by two major mountain ranges
Himalayas
Hindu Kush
Khyber Pass
Hindu Kush
Himalayas
Indian subcontinent
The most well-known mountain pass is the Khyber Pass.

4. Harappan Civilization
The Harappan civilization reached its zenith about 2500 B.C.E.
development of planned cities
Excavations of Mohenjo-Daro

5. Aryan Civilization
Beginning in 1500 B.C.E., a group of peoples called Aryans invaded the Indus River valley
ARYANS
The Aryans originated from the area north of the Black and Caspian Seas
The Aryans entered India through the Khyber Pass
Nomadic at first, settled down into agriculture in Indus Valley
Each tribe led by a rajah (chief)
Importance of cattle
Served as basis of diet, eventually used as money

6. Aryan Social Structure
Aryan India
Spoke the Sanskrit language
Wrote the Vedas
Means “Books of Knowledge”
Formed the basis of the Aryan religion
Aryan Social Structure
Called “Caste System”
System of 4 varnas (social classes)
Each varna had it’s own duties (called dharma)
Outside the system of varnas was a group called “Pariahs” – untouchables or outcasts

7. Aryan Social Structure
Varnas
Groups outside the Varnas

8. Mauryan Empire (321 B.C. - 184 B.C.)
Ashoka, grandson of Chandragupta, ruled from 274 B.C. to 232 B.C.
He built an empire that covered 2/3 of India
In 262 B.C., after defeating the kingdom of Kalinga, Ashoka became convinced of non-violence & adopted Buddhism

9. Gupta Empire (A.D. 310 – A.D. 415) Built by Chandragupta I
no relation to Chandragupta Maurya
Called the “Golden Age” of India
Built many Hindu temples
Reached height under Chandragupta II (A.D. 375 – 415)

10. Gupta Empire (A.D. 310 – A.D. 415) Achievements: Mathematics:
Developed principles leading to algebra
Invented concepts of infinity and zero
Devised symbols for 1-9 (“Arabic Numerals”)
Trade:
Land and sea trade
Arabia – gems, spices, cotton, teak and ebony
China – silk
Rome – gold

11. Hinduism: National religion of India
Based on variety of beliefs and practices
God: Brahman – all of the universe is one entity
Belief in reincarnation (or transmigration of the soul)
The soul is reborn into another body after death
Karma determines where you are born
Karma- the accumulation of good or bad deeds
Therefore your actions determine your station in life
Three most important facets/aspects of Brahman:
Brahma – Creator
Continues to create new creations
Vishnu – Preserver
Preserves new creation, sometimes by traveling to earth if necessary
Siva – Destroyer
Can be compassionate or destructive

12. Eventually, one can escape the cycle and reach enlightenment
Called moksha
Belief in dharma
Dharma: duties you are expected to perform, the ethical way in which you are supposed to behave
One can be born into a higher caste or lower caste
Prayer, rituals, self-denial and rejection of worldly possessions can help achieve this

13. Color: Saffron (Represents fire from Brahman)
Hindu Symbols \
Aum (or Om)
Represents Brahman, everything that is absolute in the universe
Swastika
Represents everything that is good in the world
Means “it is well” or “may good prevail”
Color: Saffron (Represents fire from Brahman)