ANCIENT INDIA India Geography Geography Indus and Ganges

ANCIENT INDIA

India Geography!

Geography Indus and Ganges Rivers Monsoons: seasonal-rain or dryness

Civilization!! 2, 500 BCE first cities Harappan civilizations – large cities Mohenjo-Daro Harappa

Planning Planned Cities Language Not deciphered Believed to be similar to hieroglyphics and cuneiform

Culture Few weapons Animals very important to society Religion Possible theocracy

Mauryan Empire (Moorian) 321 BCE Chandragupta Maurya (Mooria) unifies India Divides India into four provinces 301 BCE Asoka (Chandragupta’s grandson!) promotes Buddhism and religious tolerance –

Gupta Empire 320 CE Chandra Gupta patriarchal – headed by eldest male. (matriarchal – female) “Golden Age” – expanded empire, increased trade, art, religious thought, and scientific exploration increased!

HINDUISM & BUDDHISM

Hinduism Developed slowly Vedas religious texts Upanishads dialogues between student and teacher Religion is meant to liberate the soul!!

Hinduism Reincarnation – soul being born again & again… Karma – good or bad deeds that influence reincarnation Main Deities: Brahma – Creator Vishnu – preserver Shiva - destroyer

Hinduism – Social Class Caste System born into, cannot move Actions in previous life determine caste in next one

Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama Enlightenment – wisdom Four Noble Truths Life is filled with suffering Cause of suffering is desire for temporary pleasure Way to end suffering is to end desire The way to overcome suffering and end desire is the Eightfold Path

Buddhism Nirvana – release from selfishness and pain Rejects Caste system Spread to China, Korea, Japan, & other areas through trade.