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Topography of India
• Subcontinent of India is partially separated from the rest of the Asian continent by the Himalayas
The Formative PeriodIndian civilization was
also shaped by its Vedic and Aryan Ages. Aryan
conquerors gradually came to terms with
agriculture. These ages brought the caste
system, Sanskrit and many other religious
beliefs to India.
The Maurya and Gupta dynasties constituted the most successful political regimes in India. They were run entirely
by Indians themselves as opposed to outside conquerors.
The Maurya DynastyThe first to unify much of the subcontinent. It’s first major ruler was Chandragupta. He ruled along the Ganges River
around 322 BCE. He borrowed from Persian political models,
and Alexander the Great.
Chandragupta and his successors maintained large armies,
developed large bureaucracies, and developed a postal service. Their style of government was
highly autocratic.
Ashoka was even greater than his grandfather. Through fierce
fighting, he gained control of all but the southern tip of India.
Ashoka worked to improve trade and communication. Built an extensive road network, with
wells and rest stops for travelers. Commerce grew. After Ashoka,
the empire to fall apart.
The GuptasBegan around 320 CE - No individual rulers but a great impact - Power was spread through intermarriage and negotiation. This was the
greatest period of stability for India. They were overthrown by
the Huns in 535 CE
The caste system developed during the Vedic and Epic Ages. It slowly
developed into almost 300 sub castes. It provided a network of rules and
promoted public order.
HinduismThe religion of the majority of people from India. Hinduism had no single founder and no
central holy figure.
Buddhism – Founded on the teachings of Gautama born
around 563 BCE – Accepted many Hindu beliefs but attacked the
priests and caste system.
Characteristics of India’s Society
• Family life emphasized rigidity and tight organization
• Male dominance was greater in theory than reality• Families formed economic units• Economy rivaled China in sophistication and
technology but was still agricultural based• Very prosperous upper class• Emphasized trade and merchant activity (greater
than China and the Med. World