Classical IndiaCh 3

I. General Information

India is bordered to the North by the Himalayan and Hindu Kush Mts. Passes allowed with contact with other people

groups Indian agriculture revolves around the

summer monsoon season Main civilization is centered between the Indus

River and the Ganges River Has a diverse culture and a strict caste system

I. General Information

Main invading influences consisted of the Aryans and Alexander the Great (327-325)

Early period is divided into the Vedic Age (1500-1000 BC) and the Epic Age (1000-600 BC)

Main language is Sanskrit

II. Vedic Age and Epic Age

Main time of Aryan migration Hunters and herders Created social classes (Varnas) Brought polytheistic religions (Hinduism)

History was passed down through epics (Vedas) Mahabharata Ramayana Upanishads

II. Vedic Age and Epic Age

Brahmins

PriestKshatriyas-

Warriors

Vaisyas- Traders/ Farmers

Sudras- Common Laborers

Untouchables

III. Mauryan Dynasty

Chandragupta Mauryan (322-298 BC) One of the first rulers to unite most of India Influenced in part by Alexander Had large armies Very paranoid

Had only women close to him Constantly switched rooms

Became an ascetic after putting his son, Bindusara

III. Mauryan Dynasty

Ashoka (269-232 BC) Grandson of Chandragupta Maurya Expanded the empire to include all but the

southern tip of India Very aggressive militarily Converted to Buddhism and sent out

missionaries Built roads and rest areas His death led to the empires eventual

collapse and regional rule The Kushans later took over.

IV. Gupta Empire The Kushans fell out of power in 220 AD The Guptas took over in 320 AD Had a much smaller territory but was much

more stable Allowed autonomy for regional governments

Chose to intermarry with local ruling families to help keep peace

Believed they were appointed by the gods

V. Religion Hinduism

Originated with the Aryans No central founding figure Reacts to other religions Approaches

Ritualistic ceremonies performed by Brahmans Mysticism- unite humans w/ divine essence

Allows for many paths of enlightenment Bhagavad Gita- hymn- emphasis on duty

V. Religion

V. Religion Bhuddhism

Siddhartha Gautama- 563 BC Buddha- the enlightened one

Searched for enlightenment Agrees with Hinduism except caste system

and worldy desires Denied rituals Can reach nirvana by self denial/ destruction Spread by monks

V. Religion

VI. Contributions Supported Universities Astronomy- length of solar year Medical

Bone setting, plastic surgery and sterilization Mathematics

Concept of zero, negative numbers, square roots, “Arabic” numbers and π