South Asia

Ancient Civilizations &

Early Empires

India

Largest country on Indian Subcontinent On of the world’s oldest civilizations

South Asia

Harappan Civilization

Indus River Valley Pakistan One of world’s largest ancient civilizations Flourished between 3000 BC and 1700 BC Often called Harappan civilization

After its first discovered city Harappa was one of eight major Harappan cities

All were trade centers located along waterways

Ancient Civilizations

Harappan Civilization

Aryan Civilization

Populated much of northern India around 1500BC Moved from place to place herded livestock Left two important legacies behind

Social order Sanskrit

Aryans believed in orderly society divided into varnas-or social classes

Brought the Sanskrit to this region Parent language of Hindi

Ancient Civilizations

http://www.ukindia.com/zip/zsan01.htm

Mauryan Empire

320BC ruler Chandragupta united nearly all of northern India, Afghanistan and parts of Asia

Under him trade flourished & farming improved & weights and measures were made standard

Great Emperor Asoka Helped expand empire and improve trade Spread Buddhism

After his death power struggles and invasion destroyed empire

Early Empires

Mauryan Empire

Gupta Empire

300 ADs United much of northern India Trade and culture thrived Scholars made important advances in math,

medicine and astronomy Concept of zero first introduced Empire weakened by invaders By 550 India was divided once again

Early Empires

Gupta Empire

Mughal Empire

In 1500s a new group of Muslim invaders led by great warrior Babur Conquered much of Northern India 1526 Establish Mughal Empire

Babur grandson Akbar was one of India’s greatest rulers Trade flourished

Demand for Indian goods like spices and tea grew Empire grew rich from trade

Religious tolerance encouraged peace in empire Although Mughals were Muslim most Indians still practiced

Hinduism

Architecture thrived Taj Mahal

India’s most spectacular building Built during Mughal Empire

Early Empires

Mughal Empire

Taj Mahal

British Empire As early as the 1500’s Europeans had tired to control

parts of India 1600’s English presence began in India Demand of Indian goods such cotton and sugar was

high Mughal rulers granted East India Trading Company

East India Company British trading company At fist was small trading post British presence gradually grew Expanded territory and power By mid 1800’s controlled more than half of India

Early Empires

British Empire(continued)

India had become a British Colony British rule angered and frightened many

Indians 1857 Indian troops revolted, triggering violence

across India British government crushed the rebellion and

took control of India, away from East India Company

British government ruled India directly

Early Empires

1800s Indians began to question British rule Created Indian National Congress Hoped to gain more rights and opportunities Mohandas Gandhi

Important leader Non-violent protests

1947 two countries were formed Pakistan-Muslim India-Hinduism As result 10 million people rushed to cross border in fear

of religious persecution Soon after India and Pakistan gained Independence Other countries in region did too gradually

Independence