Ancient India Geography Aryan Migration ancient Empires and

Ancient India Geography, Aryan Migration, ancient Empires, and Hinduism and Buddhism

Geography of India Indus River Harappa Mohenjo-Daro Ganges

Geography of India Hindu Kush Mtns. Himalaya Mtns. Indus River Harappa Mohenjo-Daro Ganges

Physical barriers that protected India from invasion • The first settled communities were located along the Indus River Valley • This location also provided them with protection – To the north the Hindu Kush and Himalaya Mountains – To the south the Indian Ocean

So how then did people migrate to the Indus River Valley? • Groups migrated into the Indus Valley through the Khyber Pass – A mountain pass that allowed people safe passage into the valley

Origins of Indian Civilization • The earliest civilizations began along the Indus and later spread to the Ganges • The first major cities were Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro (both along the Indus)

Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro • The city of Harappa (ca. 3000 BCE) and Mohenjo-Daro (ca. 2500 BCE) are located in modern-day Pakistan along the Indus River • The two cities had a combined population of nearly 70, 000 • The two cities arguably had the most advanced infrastructure for the time – Example: Grid-patterned layout, standardized weights and measures, etc.

Aryan Migration • The Aryans were Indo. Europeans herders – Constantly searching for water and pasture for their horse and cattle • They utilized chariots and bow and arrows • Most of what historians know of the Aryan’s comes from the Vedas (written by the Aryans and a sacred text of Hinduism)

Aryan Migration • The Aryans took over the Indus Valley and instituted the Caste System • The Caste System was a rigid social structure that organized society by specific classes

Aryan Migration • Each person was born into a caste which determined your job, friends, spouse, and social standing • You could not change your caste except through reincarnation (rebirth)

Hinduism • Hinduism is the oldest “living” religion in the world (originated at least 3500 years ago) • It is the 3 rd largest religion in the world today with over 1 billion followers – 70% of people living in India are Hindu (approx. . 700 million)

Hinduism • There is no single founder or sacred text • It is also difficult to classify in that Hindus believe in many forms of one god (while there are millions of gods they are simply different manifestations of Brahman)

Hinduism: Beliefs • Hindus believe in an allpowerful force known as Brahman – It is the source of all matter (everything) – It is manifested in everything

Hinduism: Beliefs • While Hindus believe Brahman is the source and existence of all being they also believe is Atman • Atman is the “true self” or soul but is not distinct or separate from Brahman • The goal of Hinduism is to unite atman and brahman

Hinduism: Beliefs • When you unite atman with brahman your spirit is freed, this is known as moksha • To reach moksha you must free yourself of desires and you must lose the concept of self • Moksha cannot be accomplished in one lifetime

Hinduism: Karma and Reincarnation • Moksha relies on both karma and reincarnation • Karma is the belief that our thoughts and actions carry consequence • One’s karma affects their reincarnation or rebirth https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Uk 7 bi. SOzr 1 k

Hinduism: Purpose of Life • The four objectives of human life according to Hinduism are known as the Purusarthas: – Dharma: religious and moral duties (includes karma) – Artha: material pursuits – Kama: pursuit of sensual please – Moksha: liberation from samsara (wheel of rebirth)

Hinduism: Sacred Texts • While there are many sacred texts in Hinduism the most recognized are the Vedas and Upanishads • The Vedas were written by the Aryans and is the earliest and most sacred – It deals mostly with Hindu rituals and history • The Upanishads are later and focus on the teachings of Hinduism (brahman, atman, samsara, etc. )

Hinduism: Holy Days • Diwali is the most popular Hindu holy day and the most popular festival in South Asia – It is known as the Festival of Lights – It lasts for five days and involves fireworks, lights, dancing and lots of food (particularly sweets) – It celebrates the victory of good over evil (knowledge over ignorance) and is a reaffirmation of hope

Hinduism: How did the religion spread? • Hinduism unlike many other ancient religions spread for the most part peacefully, not through war, conquest or missionaries but through trading

Mauryan Empire (321 -185 BCE) • The Mauryan Empire developed around 322 BCE after the westward withdrawal of Alexander the Great • The Mauryan Empire is believed to be the largest empire in the history of the India (around 50 -60 million)

Mauryan Empire • The Mauryan’s reached their greatest height under Emperor Asoka (Ashoka) • Asoka converted to Buddhism, which was a shift away from Jainism for the Mauryans – This led to an increase in peace and prosperity

Mauryan Empire • The Mauryan’s unified the people of India and were responsible for spreading Buddhism throughout South and Southeast Asia • The Mauryan’s also established free hospitals, veterinary clinics, and roads • The Mauryan Empire dissolved shortly after Asoka’s death and the rise of Shunga dynasty

Gupta Empire (320 -550 CE) • The Gupta Empire marks the “Golden Age” of classical Indian culture – Time of peace and prosperity in India • The Gupta Empire were also credited advancements in math, science, and the arts

Gupta Empire: Contributions • Mathematic contributions included the concept of zero and Arabic numerals* – *Credited to Islam but later historians discovered derived from India • Medical advancements: resetting and casting bones

Gupta Empire: Contributions • Advancements in Science: first civilization to discover the Earth is round • Technology and Literature: created advancements in textiles and literature (erotic poetry and romantic comedies)