Hinduism The Harappan Civilization 3300 BCE 2400 BCE

Hinduism

The Harappan Civilization 3300 BCE - 2400 BCE

Citadel Of Mohenjo. Daro

Aerial View of Mohenjo. Daro

The Great Bath, Mohenjo-Daro

Bath Area, Mohenjo. Daro

Well, Mohenjo-Daro

A Main Street, Mohenjo-Daro

Aryan Migration § pastoral depended on their cattle. § warriors horse-drawn chariots.

The Vedic Age The foundations for Hinduism were established!

The Vedas § 1200 BCE-600 BCE. § written in SANSKRIT. § Hindu core of beliefs: Rig Veda oldest work. Ø hymns and poems. Ø religious prayers. Ø magical spells. Ø lists of the gods and goddesses.

What are the Sacred Texts? � Vedas-”wisdom or Knowledge” • Consisted of 4 vedas • Rig Veda- the oldest and most important of the vedas- hymns dedicated to the Hindu Gods o Upanishads-”sitting in front of” refers to the practice of disciples gathering before sage for religious discussions

Varna (Social Hierarchy) Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaishyas Shudras Pariahs [Harijan] Untouchables

The Caste System WHO IS… Brahmins Kshatriyas § The mouth? § The arms? Vaishyas § The legs? § The feet? What is a JATI? Shudras

What do Hindus believe? � Brahma- supreme force � Reincarnation – atman is continually born into this world lifetime after lifetime (Samsara) � Karma – spiritual impurity due to actions keeps us bound to this world (good and bad) � (Moksha)-Ultimate goal of life – to release Atman and reunite with the divine, becoming as one with Brahman

How does Hinduism direct life in this world? � Respect for all life – vegetarian � Cow is sacred � Human life as supreme: • Four “stations” of life (Caste) - priests & teachers, nobles & warriors, merchant class, servant class • Four stages of life – student, householder, retired, renunciant

Who do Hindus worship? – �Vishnu- the preserver �Shiva- the Destroyer