1. ANCIENT INDIA
By: Ms. Bindrim

2. HARAPPAN CIVILIZATION
Existed from around B.C. until 1700 B.C. (about 800 years)
Existed at the same time as ancient Egypt
The population grew in the Indus River Valley as irrigation and farming techniques improved.
Cities were built as surplus food was produced.

3. HARAPPAN ACHIEVEMENTS
Major 2 cities: Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro (both were well-designed and acted as fortresses against enemies)
Made use of ground wells and indoor plumbing
Known for their pottery, cotton clothing, jewelry
Created India’s first writing system

5. Aryan Invasion Language
Invaders from the West
When the Harappan civilization dissipated in 1700 BC, Aryans from southern Russia came through the Khyber Pass in the Hindu Kush mountains and began taking over territory.
Language
Sanskrit is the root of many modern South Asian languages and was used for religious writings.

7. Aryan Invasion Culture
Were nomads and herders who got their clothes and food from the animals they raised. Wealth was measured by the number of cattle a person owned.
Culture
New Technology
Aryans discovered iron ore and created iron plows that improved agriculture and led Aryans to settle into towns. Also created iron weapons that helped them rule northern India.

8. ARYAN LIFE CONTINUED…
Economy: Aryans made use of irrigation in order to farm and used the crops they grew as well as animals raised in order to barter (or trade) for other needs
Brahmins: priests at the top of the social class system that worshipped the Gods
Rajas: leaders of communities, generally not Brahmins

9. RELIGION IN ANCIENT INDIA: HINDUISM
Hinduism: a religion based on certain Aryan practices, including the chanting of hymns passed down through oral tradition
Hymns and religious beliefs were written down in the Vedas, or Books of Knowledge
Early gods in the Vedas were drawn from nature

10. VEDAS CONTINUED….
Many temples were created in the early Vedic religion
The rituals became very complicated and needed to be written down
Developments in southern India were not affected by the same forces as in northern India
Indo-Aryan migrants had the most impact on northern India
Indo-Aryan word for war is translated to mean “a desire for more cows”

11. HINDUISM CONTINUED…
Karma: a person’s actions determine what will happen after their death
Reincarnation: after death, a person’s soul is reborn into a different body
It’s believed a person’s status in life is determined by their behavior in previous lives
Good people are reborn as a wealthy or wise person, immoral people may be reborn as a poor or sick person.

12. Caste: a social class you are born into for your lifetime
THE CASTE SYSTEM
Caste: a social class you are born into for your lifetime
Caste determines a person’s job, marriage partner, and friends
Caste system was strongly influenced by the Aryan social system declaring that all people aren’t equal

13. CASTE SYSTEM CONTINUED…
Caste system is based on 4 major classes: priests, warriors & princes, merchants & farmers, and laborers.
Another group, known as untouchables, is considered so inferior they are not part of the 4 major castes
Untouchables were shunned by society and often did the dirty jobs that no one else wanted

14. Mauryan Empire: The first Indian empire (324-185 B.C.)
IMPORTANT DYNASTIES
Mauryan Empire: The first Indian empire ( B.C.)
Founded by Aryan descendents who moved into the Indus River Valley
Emperor Ashoka created the first unified government here
Known for their fine sculpture and sandstone carvings

15. IMPORTANT DYNASTIES CONTINUED…
Gupta Dynasty: A.D.
Ruled during India’s golden age in science, art, & literature
Hinduism and Buddhism were practiced throughout the land
Many temples were carved out of solid stone in mountainside cliffs

16. GUPTA DYNASTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Literature: Sanskrit literature blossomed
Kalidasa is considered the greatest poet and playwright of the time
His plays taught moral principles
Math: Gupta mathematicians developed the concept of zero and numerals we use today
Europeans eventually learned these numerals and called them Arabic, a name still used today.

17. JOURNAL ENTRIES
Directions: you will be writing 2 journal entries from opposite ends of the caste system in ancient India.
Journal entry #1: You will explore the daily life of Brahmin, a priest considered to be the top of the social class system.
Question to consider: What do priests do on a daily basis?
Journal entry #2: You will explore the daily life of untouchables, a group of people considered so low they were shunned by society
Question to consider: What types of jobs would no one else want to complete?