1. 7.3 | Society and Intellect
Central and South Asia
7.3 | Society and Intellect

2. Origins of Society Central Asia South Asia
Society was nomadic and thus balanced
South Asia
Not unlike other cultures, Indo-Aryans combined religion and politics
The Aryans (light) assumed the “upper” class
The Native Indians (dark) became “dasas”
So, a segregated society emerged, justified by religion

3. Intellectual Origins Nomadic spatial networks
Moving people and goods
South Asia’s Indus River Civilization
Organized cities
Plumbing
Trade and security (no war)

4. Social Development Central Asia South Asia Nomadic societies continued
The growing trading cities created a powerful, ruling merchant class
South Asia
As Indo-Aryans continued to mix with Indians, new classes formed
Based on color, they became defined by religion
The Caste System
Everyone had a caste in life (samsara)
Karma, dharma, and social mobility

5. Intellectual Development
Central Asia was the heart of intellectual melding between
East Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East
Abū Rayḥān al-Bīrūnī (Afghanistan)
Combined sciences of the regions to create new advancements
Wrote in Arabic
Calculated the Earth’s circumference within miles
Predicted a continent lay between Asia and Europe
Irrigation developments
Sailing and monsoons

6. Society Today Westernization/Modernization Breaking the Caste System
Bringing modernity to both regions
It has not reached all people
Sharp social divides in lifestyles
Breaking the Caste System
The “untouchables” and Hinduism
Difficulties reforming society because of religion
Abortion and gay rights in the United States

7. Intellect Today Central Asian economic integration South Asia
Working together to increase prosperity
Looking for regional integration (China, India)
South Asia
Space program: Mars mission and cheap cost
Huge focus on internal development
Modernizing and cleaning up