1. Literature of Ancient India pp. 102-109

2. Why it Matters Map Pp. 102-3 Indian Diversity 82% Hindu 12% Muslim
2% Christian
2% Sikh
Other

3. Historical Highlights
Indus Valley Civilization
- Most homes had indoor bathrooms and sewer connections
- after thriving for many, many years, this advanced civilization mysteriously declined
Early Vedic Age
Sanskrit – language related to English
Late Vedic Age
Mahabarata – epic – political, social, religious
Ramayana – epic - (same as above)

4. Historical Highlights, cont.
Rise of Buddhism and Jainism
- Buddhism founded by Siddhartha
Gautama
Buddhism – based on ethical behavior and nonviolence (not worshipping gods)
Jainism – similar to Buddhism (more strict though)
Age of Empires – 1st time India is politically united

5. People and Society Caste system
Brahmans (priests) – considered purest class
White clothes
Kshatriyas (warriors)
red
Vaishyas (farmers, merchants, tradespeople
yellow
Shudras (servants)
black
Outcastes (untouchables) – considered so unclean that touching them stripped someone of his purity.

6. Women in Ancient India Male dominated Brides could be as young as 8
Warriors could kidnap a bride/murder family
Forbidden to own property
Wife could not displease husband, even after his death.

7. Arts and Culture Literature – tied to religion and moral instruction
Epics
Religion
Hinduism (basically monotheistic)
Individual evolves in a cycle of existence (reincarnation).
Karma – past actions determine quality of life

8. Arts and culture, cont. Buddhism –ultimate goal was Nirvana Jainism
Nirvana (universal spirit) - enlightenment
Reject caste system
Jainism
Self-denial
Non-violence

9. Arts and Culture Arts and architecture Many depict Hindu gods
Paintings lined caves where Buddhist monks worshipped

10. Connect to Today (pp. 112-113) New Age ideas Yoga and mediation
Chess and dice
Math and science
Nonviolence***
Thoreau, MLK

11. The development of the epic
Stories
Nature of epic
Features of epic stories (video)
Not larger than life hero
Characteristics of an epic
strategies