1. Indus River Valley Civilization Review By 2500 BC two major city-states (Harappa & Mohenjo-Daro) had developed on the Indus River. Highly developed cities laid out in a grid system show a strong central government to plan. Pictograms (Also known as Pictographs) Writing No sure about religion, animal and human figures suggest worship of gods involving natural forces Collapsed between 1750 BC – 1500 BC

2. Indo-Aryans Review Arrived through the Khyber Pass around 1750 BC. Dominated the local population and established their rule which included new religious thought. Brought the Vedas (religious literature) to India around 1500 BC.

3. Indo-Aryans Review Developed the Caste System (social class system) The Upanishads (religious literature, 800-500 BC) – Added to the Vedas – Spoke of a universal spirit present in everthing YOU ARE BORN INTO YOU CASTE BASED ON OCCUPATION

4. Hinduism

5. I. Development of Hinduism 1. Development a. Not developed by the teachings of any one person b. Based on the Vedas, the Caste System, & the Upanishads.

6. I. Development of Hinduism 2. Brahman Nerguna a. The eternal spirit, a universal spirit. b. Bodies only tie you to the material world.

7. I. Development of Hinduism 2. Brahman Nerguna c. True freedom, soul must leave material world and unite with the Brahman Nerguna. d. Forms of self-denial, such as fasting, helped people achieve union with the Universal Spirit.

8. I. Development of Hinduism 3. Beliefs a. Believe in many forms of one God. 1. The Brahman Nerguna is present in everything. b. Reincarnation – rebirth of the soul

9. I. Development of Hinduism 3. Beliefs c. Hindus believe the soul passes through many lifetimes (human or animal) before it reaches a union with the Brahman Nerguna

10. I. Development of Hinduism 3. Beliefs d. Dharma 1. Each caste involves different duties (dharma). a. If a person performed caste duties well during a lifetime, he would be born into a higher caste. b. If a person didn’t perform caste duties, he or she would be born in a lower caste.

11. I. Development of Hinduism 3. Beliefs e. Karma 1. Your actions (good or bad) will come back on you, in this life or the next. 2. Good karma, you live a good life and fulfill your dharma, one can move closer to the universal spirit by moving up the caste system in your next life.

12. I. Development of Hinduism 3. Beliefs e. Moksha 1. Goal: to work one’s way up the caste ladder to become a Brahman. a. Brahman who fulfills dharma is reunited with the universal spirit, Brahman Nerguna b. Released from the cycle of birth, death, and reincarnation c. Enjoys eternal peace and harmony without suffering

13. COMPLETE INDIAN CIVILIZATION REVIEW BY THE END OF CLASS AND GET CHECKED OFF. QUIZ NEXT CLASS (Indus River & Indo-Aryan Notes)