1. Early South Asia
Please take out your notes. As we study the power point, be writing down examples of the social, economic and political lessons and legacies of these early Indian civilizations.

2. Harappan Civilization (2500 BC – 1500 BC)
Located in the Indus River Valley (now in Pakistan/Northern India)
Major cities: Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro
Each city was planned in a grid pattern with a large citadel (fortress) overlooking the town.

3. Modern South Asia Map

5. Harappan Civilization, cont.
Farmers grew wheat, barley, rice and cotton.
Goods produced included metal tools, jewelry, clay figures and pots, and cotton cloth.
Harappa traded with Mesopotamia.

6. Harappan Civilization, cont.
Pictograms were used for writing – they still have not been deciphered.
Harappan civilization ended possibly due to flooding or invasion.

7. Head sculpture of a dignitary

8. Sculpture of a priest-king from Mohenjo-Daro

9. Harrapan Drainage System

10. Harrapan Tablet Dating Back to 2500-1700 BC

11. The Aryan Conquest (1500 BC)
Aryan nomads moved into the Indus River Valley and the Ganges Plain from the northwest (light-skinned)
Invaded using chariots & bronze weapons
Land very fertile
Their civilization became present-day India.

12. The Aryan Conquest, cont.
They became farmers and herders.
There was no written language at first, but Sanskrit became a major language of India.
Hymns, legends and religious rituals were collected into the Vedas (“Books of Knowledge”).

13. Aryan Culture System of four rigid social classes (varnas)
Warriors were the most honored, followed by priests, skilled workers, and unskilled workers and servants.
Priests would eventually become the highest varna.

14. Aryan Culture, cont.
Varnas were each divided into smaller groups, called jati.
Each jati had its own neighborhood and did not mix with others (typically divided among profession).
People in each varna had very strict duties (dharma), which stated what path in life men could take – women were responsible for the household.
Aryan customs and religion eventually evolved into Hinduism***.

15. From the Mahabharata
Indra said: May never on earth, O lord of the earth the Law be confused! Protect it, for the upheld Law holds up all the world. Guard the this worldly Law, forever on guard and attentive; if yoked to the Law, you shall win the blessed worlds of eternity. You standing on earth have become the dear friend of me standing in heaven – now possess…a country that is the udder of earth , abounding in cattle and holy, of stable climate, with wealth and rice aplenty, protected by the skies…It is a country beyond all others, with riches and jewels and all good things… The country people are accustomed to the Law, quite content and upright. No lies are spoken there even in jest, let alone in earnest. Sons are devoted to their elders there; they do not divide off from their fathers. Cows are never yoked to the cart, and even lean cows yield plenty. All the classes abide by their own Law, in this land…

16. more Mahabharata…
This large celestial crystalline chariot in the sky, which it is the God’s privilege to enjoy, this airborne chariot will come to you as my gift. Among all mortals you alone shall stand upon a grand and sky-going chariot, and indeed, you will ride there above, like a God come to flesh! And I give you this garland Vaijayanti, woven by lotuses that never fade, which shall sustain you in battle, never hut by swords. That shall be your mark of distinction here, sovereign of men – grand, rich, unmatched, and renowned as “Indra’s Garland!”
1. What does this excerpt tell us about Dharma – duty?
2. What rewards does Indra say Vasu will receive for pleasing the gods?
3. How does this reading contribute to your understanding of legacy?