Early Civilizations of India and Pakistan

Chapter 3 section 1

Geography of the Indian Subcontinent

• Subcontinent – large landmass that juts out from a continent

• Three zones: Gangetic Plain (N), dry Decan plateau (raised area of leveled land), and coastal plains

Monsoons Affect Climate

• Monsoons – seasonal winds that may bring downpours– Welcomed for crops– Can produce deadly floods

Indus Civilization Rises and Falls

• Earliest South Asian civilization started in present day Pakistan

• Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were possibly twin capitals

Making a Living by Farming and Trading

• Most people were farmers– Wheat, barley, melons, dates– First to cultivate and weave cotton

• Merchants and traders– Cotton cloth, grain, copper, pearls, ivory

Indus Civilization

• Indus people were polytheistic• Certain animals were sacred

– Buffalo and bull

• Then the civilization declined• Why? Damage to local environment,

flooding, earthquake…

Aryan Civilization Develops During the Vedic Age

• Nomads flocked towards Central Asia

• Nomads married locals and called themselves Aryans

• Acculturation – blending of two or more cultures

• Most of what we know come from Vedas – a collection of hymns, chants, and rituals

From Nomadic Life to Farming

• Began to cultivate crops and breed cattle

• Made tools out of iron

• Tribes were led by rajahs – ruled with the help of elders in the tribe

Aryan Structure Society

• Social structure was based on occupation

Aryan Religious Beliefs Develop

• Polytheistic

• Worshipped gods and goddesses who embodied natural forces– Sky, sun, storm, fire

• Indra – God of war

Aryan Religious Beliefs Develop

• Some moved towards brahman – a single spiritual power that existed beyond the many gods of the Vedas

• Mystics would seek direct communion with divine forces– Through meditation and yoga