1. Ancient and Classical India World History

2. Early Society in South Asia Indus Valley Civilization centered around twin fortified cities: Harapan & Mohenjo-daro, declined > 2000 BCE Aryans – Indo-European Migrants from the Caspian Sea area arrived - 2000 BCE ~ pastoral nomads, light-skinned, warrior culture ~ clashed with dark-skinned Dravidians (sedentary, agricultural) ~ established a society that was male dominated, dev. Sanskrit language, est. local kingdoms, dev. a social class system, & Hinduism

3. Hinduism Evolved from native and Aryan polytheistic beliefs No one single Holy Book – many books called the Vedas Brahman - supreme being – creator of the universe (not worshipped directly by the masses) Vishnu – the sustainer – protects humanity Shiva – the destroyer – destroys the universe so that the cycle may begin again Hindus believe the universe has been created and destroyed many times Dharma: the duties of a person according to their Varna Follow your dharma – achieve good karma

4. Your Karma in this life determines your form in the next life (higher or lower Varna) Reincarnation – cycle of life and rebirth Goal: to escape this cycle and be reunited with Brahman Effects of Hinduism on Society ~ reinforced social hierarchy ~ promoted high ethical standards ~ respect for all living things ~ promotes a vegetarian diet and honors the sacred cow

5. Around and Around it goes, Like Shiva, the Cosmic dancer. Reincarnation

6. Social Classes (Varnas) Castes determined by the previous life caste system is a rigid social system that allows for NO social change Occupation, marriage, education, even diet is determined by hereditary caste Promoted social harmony – everyone followed rules of behavior Pariahs are not part of the system and are called untouchables b/c they are considered dirty Brahmans: priests Kshatriyas: warriors, rulers Viasyas: common people, merchants, artisans, farmers Sudras: unskilled laborers, servants Pariahs: untouchables, slaves

7. Women subservient in the home but are allowed property rights and could divorce under certain conditions.

8. Political Identically planned cities and construction suggests a strong central government

10. Economic Traded long distances – Artifacts show they traded with the Sumerians

11. Religious Links to modern Hindu Culture – Shiva- is a major Hindu god Cows were sacred

12. Social Civilization was generally stable Same kinds of houses suggests little social differences Toys were found for children – this shows prosperity since they can make things they do not NEED to survive

13. Intellectual Advanced plumbing – Private bath and toilet for every house – Toilets made of brick with wooden seats – Pipes connected underground sewer system

15. Achievements Sophisticated city planning – very detailed and organized – Used a grid system Citadel – a fortified area surrounded by a wall that protected the major buildings in the city – Public buildings, granaries and religious quarters

18. Harappa

19. Mohenjo Daro

20. Geography Wall of Mountains- sepereated India from the rest of Asia – Hindu Kush – Himalaya – Karakoram This created an Indian Sub-Continent Monsoons – trade winds that brought rain in the summer and dry wind in the winter Major Rivers- – Indus – Ganges