1. Ancient India
Mr. Roberts

2. Terms
Subcontinent – a large landmass that is smaller than a continent.
Monsoons – seasonal wind patterns that cause wet and dry seasons.
Aryans – ethnic group originally from the area around the Caspian Sea in central Asia, that migrated into the Indus River Valley.
Sanskrit – the most important language of ancient India.
Caste system – division of Indian society into groups based on a person’s birth, wealth, or occupation.

3. Harappan Civilization
People
Population grew in the Indus River Valley.
Growth came as irrigation and farming techniques improved.
Cities were built as surplus food was produced.
Cities
Harrapa
Mohenjo Daro
Fortresses for defense against enemies
Well-planned public areas
Achievements
Wells and indoor plumbing
Pottery, cotton clothing, jewelry
India’s first writing system

4. Aryan Invasion
When the Harappan civilization dissipated in 1700 BC, Central Asians called Aryans began taking over territory.
Invaders from the West
The Aryans left behind vast collections of poems, hymns, myths, and rituals. They also had religious writings known as Vedas.
Religion
No central government: small communities ruled by rajas
Government
Sanskrit is the root of many modern South Asian languages.
Language

5. Harappan Civilization
Two major cities: Harappa, Mohenjo Daro
Advanced civilization that thrived between 2300 and 1700 BC
Culture, artistry, city planning
Aryan Invasion
South Asian warriors pushed through the Hindu Kush mountains and settled in the Indus Valley
Oral tradition in religion and mythology resulted in the most important language of ancient India: Sanskrit.

6. Caste System: The Varnas

7. The Varnas
The people of India were grouped together into four classes called varnas.
One group did not belong to any varna. Its members were known as the Untouchables.
They performed work other Indians thought to be too dirty, such as collecting trash, skinning animals, or handling dead bodies.
The caste system set the rules for everyone’s behavior. This helped the Aryans stay in control.

8. Hinduism The Big Idea Hinduism, the largest religion in India today,
developed out of ancient Indian beliefs and practices.
Main Ideas
Indian society divided into distinct groups under the Aryans.
The Aryans practiced a religion known as Brahmanism.
Hinduism developed out of Brahmanism and influences from other cultures.
The Jains reacted to Hinduism by breaking away to form their own religion.

9. What is the fundamental cause of all suffering?
Desire!
Therefore, extinguish the self, don’t obsess about oneself.

10. The Four Noble Truths 1. Life is full of suffering.
2. People suffer because they desire worldly things.
3. The way to end suffering is to stop desiring things.
4. The only way to stop desiring things is follow the Eightfold Path.

11. The Eightfold Path