1. introduction and geography
Classical India
introduction and geography

2. geography - intro location: proximity to Mediterranean, Persia
physical: separated from East Asia by mountains
diverse climate regions explain racial, language complexity

3. connection to River civ
Indus (Harappa and Mohenjo Daro) extended to Ganges River
Aryan (Indo-European) nomads used iron tools to clear vegetation
Vedic Age - vedas (knowledge)
Epic Age - more mystical, religious

4. Aryan conquerers
caste system - establish relationships between conquerers and conquered
Epic age - priests replaced warriors at the top
polytheism similar to Greek mythology

5. Aryan: Indo-European origin

6. Indo-European languages

7. Mauryan Empire complex social hierarchy, divisions
1500 BCE Harappa’s collapse
BCE Aryan nomadic migrations
complex social hierarchy, divisions
Buddha’s teachings (social rebellion?)
not clearly established patterns for government (China)

8. Mauryan Empire consolidated power with military force
little political theory, more power with priests

9. Mauryan Empire autocratic rule - not large, inefficient gov
327 BCE Alexander’s invasion
322 BCE Chandragupta’s organization response - unify subcontinent, army, gov
autocratic rule - not large, inefficient gov
grandson, Ashoka - extended empire w/ war, then adopted Buddhism ( BCE)
no “deep roots” politically, but Buddhist influence

10. Gupta Empire
320 C.E. power came from North India to re-establish social classes
Hinduism: restored high priests
no famous individual leaders, but greater impact in stability, regional leaders, hierarchy of caste / Hinduism

11. Gupta Empire consolidate power with Hindu religion and taxes
loose structure = no universal language
uniform code of law, road building, sponsored arts
smaller size than Mauryan Empire, more foreign trade

12. Gupta Empire
solidified caste system - really ran daily life; principles of heredity
marriage, jobs, taxes, eating, housing
Hinduism: “cement of this society”, pushed Buddhism out…other parts of Asia have more historical impact
economy more advanced than China - chemistry, steel, textiles, valued merchants

14. compare to China differences China - political, Confucian social order
India - religion / culture, Hindu social order
similar
agricultural, majority peasants
village - local culture, family way of life
similar gender roles