1. Ancient India In this lesson, students will identify characteristics of India’s geography. Students will be able to define and/or identify the following terms: Himalaya Mountains Monsoons Indus River Harappa Urban Planning.

2. India is a subcontinent in South Asia.

3. The Indian Subcontinent India is a country in South Asia. India is a subcontinent. A subcontinent is a large land mass that is smaller than a continent. A subcontinent is usually split from the rest of the continent by a mountain range.

4. The Himalaya Mountains separate India From China.

5. The Himalayas The Himalayas are mountains in northern India. The Himalayas are the highest mountains on the surface of the earth. The Himalayas have not completely separated India from the rest of Asia because the mountains have passes.

6. This is a photograph of the famous Khyber Pass. This valley allowed travelers to enter India.

7. India also experiences the monsoon. The monsoons are winds that bring rains.

8. Monsoons Monsoons are winds that bring rains. The Monsoons are vital for farming. Monsoon rains provide water for farming. If the monsoon rains do not arrive, many people will die from hunger and starvation.

9. The Indus River is an important river in Indian history. It was the birthplace of South Asia’s earliest civilization.

10. The Indus River The name “India” is derived from the Indus River. An early civilization developed along the banks of the Indus River. Today, the Indus River flows mostly through Pakistan. Pakistan was once part of India.

11. The Ganges River is an important river in India. It is a sacred or holy river for Hindus.

12. The Ganges River The Ganges river is an important river in India. It is considered a sacred or holy river to Hindus. Hinduism is a religion of India. Hindus believe that the waters from the Ganges will purify the souls of those who drink or bathe in the Ganges river.

13. Harappan Civilization The early civilization that developed in the Indus river valley is frequently referred to as Harappan civilization. The name “Harappan” comes from one of the cities in the Indus river valley. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were two important cities of this early river valley civilization.

14. This ruin reveals the careful planning of the Indus river city of Harappa.

15. The buildings of Mohenjo-Daro were also carefully planned.

16. Urban Planning Urban planning refers to the careful planning of a city. In Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, every brick in every city was exactly the same size during a period of time. Like modern cities, buildings had to conform to government standards.

17. This hole and drain suggest that indoor bathrooms and toilets may have existed.

18. Harappan civilization had writing. However, archaeologists are still deciphering it.

19. This map reveals the location of Harappan civilization.

20. Harappan civilization began around 3000 B.C.

21. The cities were surrounded by walls. Walls were used to protect the inhabitants of the cities.

22. Harappan civilization declined around 1500 B.C. It is possible that the monsoon failed or an earthquake occurred.

23. Questions for Reflection: Why did the Himalayas not completely prevent cultural diffusion? Why are the monsoons vital for Indians? Where did India’s first civilization develop? List two geographic features of India and state an effect for each feature. How did Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro exhibit aspects of urban planning? List three accomplishments of Harappan civilization.