1. Indian Geography & Ancient India
Artwork from the Mahabharata

2. Geography of India
India is a subcontinent- large land mass, smaller than a continent
Northern Mountain Rim
a. Hindu Kush Mountains are in the northwest
b. Himalayas are in the northeast
c. Environment makes farming difficult

3. https://www. youtube. com/watch
– Himalayas and trade barriers

4. The Northern Plains Lie between the Himalayas and southern India
Ganges River flows through Bangladesh into the Bay of Bengal; carries rich sediments that create fertile soil
Indus River flows through Pakistan into the Arabian Sea
River deltas create fertile soil

5. Ganges River
- Ganges

6. HINGE QUESTIONS WHAT ARE BARRIERS AND CORRIDORS?
WHAT TRADE BARRIERS & CORRIDORS EXIST IN THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT (THINK GEOGRAPHY)

7. Deccan Plateau Makes up most of southern India
Known for mineral deposits and forests

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9peDRkO-TLc – Monsoon Explanation
Climate
Three main seasons: cool, hot, and rainy
Southern India is hot year round
Monsoon Cycle: Seasonal winds bring heavy rains to the region
Agriculture depends on timing of the monsoons
– Monsoon Explanation

11. Ancient Indian History
Indus River Valley Civilizations
a. Develop around Indus River Valley (Harappan & Mohenjo-daro)
b. Highly advanced civilizations
c. Known for advanced agriculture, irrigation, and granaries

13. HINGE QUESTION
WHY MIGHT PEOPLE HAVE SETTLED NEAR THE INDUS RIVER VALLEY?

14. Used complex weights and measures and had their own script (Harappa)
Settlements had planned streets, public buildings, and a water system
Demise is a mystery; possibly falls around 1900 BC after floods and outside attacks

15. City of Harappa

16. Mohenjo-daro (The Great Bath)

17. HINGE QUESTION
WHAT TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES WERE MADE BY THE INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATIONS?

18. The Aryan Invasion
Lighter skinned people arrive through the Hindu Kush Mountains
Migrated from the West through Iran

19. Aryans had a different language, Sanskrit
Were nomadic herders
Aryans had new technology such as iron weapons
Eventually became the dominant class in India

20. Hinduism Hindu religion forms out of Aryan practices and beliefs
Caste System develops
Believe in karma and reincarnation
HINGE: #20

21. Mauryan Dynasty (321-185 BC) Founded by descendants of the Aryans
Emperor Ashoka is considered the most significant ruler
1. Creates a unified government
2. Makes Buddhism the state religion
3. Conquered the entire Indian subcontinent

22. Asoka refuses to wage war after conversion to Buddhism
Tries to extend social support within his empire; writes “Principles for a Just Government”
Empire declines after Asoka’s death in 232 BC; falls in 185 BC
Hinge #22

23. Gupta Dynasty ( AD)
Renaissance of Hinduism begins as princes promote priestly castes
Golden age of art, science, and literature under Chandragupta II
Chandragupta make vassals of neighboring rulers
Sanskrit literature blossoms; Mahabharata is written

24. Hinge #24