1. Ancient India
Indo-Europeans,
Aryans, and Hittites
Ancient India
Indo-Europeans,
Aryans, and Hittites

2. Learning Objectives Learning Objectives
1. Identify geographic factors - the Indus and Ganges rivers, the Himalayas, and the Khyber pass.
2. Identify key terms: Indo-Europeans, Aryans, Caste system.
3. Explore the contributions of the first Indian civilizations at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
4. Explore the accomplishments of the Hittites and the Indo-European/Aryan invaders.
5. Students will learn to read a migration chart and a language chart.

3. Geography Geography Ganges river – forms a fertile farming valley.
Indus river- farming region that produces wheat.
Climate is impacted by monsoons.
These guys were and still are, strongly impacted by the monsoon seasons. Population is the most dense on the West and East Coast as well as along the Ganges plain. The Deccan Plateau is south of the Ganges. It is both hilly and dry.
In the west, the Indus river provides the modern day border to Pakistan.
The Ganges river is in the south. It is a rich farming valley.
The Himalayas to the North, form a strong, natural border.

4. Geography Geography The two key mountain chains are:
Hindu Kush –this includes the Khyber Pass
Himalayas-highest mountains in the world.

5. Indo-European Languages Indo-European Languages
Balto-Slavik
Greek
Indo-Iranian
Hittite
Armenian
Slavik
Baltic
Indic
Iranian
Polish
Czech
Russian
Ukrainian
Macedonian
Latvian
Lithuanian
Hindi
Urdu
Punjabi
Bengali
Persian
Kurdish
Italic
Germanic
Celtic
There are over 110 languages and 1,000 dialects spoken in India.
Latin
Danish
Swedish
Norwegian
English
Dutch
Afrikaans
German
Breton
Welsh
Irish Gaelic
Scottish Gaelic
French
Portuguese
Spanish
Italian
Romanian

6. Images of ancient Mohenjo-Daro.
Mohenjo-Dara and Harappa
Mohenjo-Dara and Harappa
India’s 1st civilizations.
Populations of 35,000-40,000.
Carefully planned and developed.
Advanced drainage and sewage systems.
Public wells
Advanced drainage systems – wastewater flowed out drains under the streets and was carried to sewage pits beyond the city walls. System of chutes for garbage disposal. These cities were very well-planned and organized.
Picture’s site -
A system of chutes took household trash from houses to street-level garage bins. Only a well-organized government could have maintained such carefully structured cities.
Images of ancient Mohenjo-Daro.

7. Streets in Mohenjo-Daro
Mohenjo-Dara and Harappa
Mohenjo-Dara and Harappa
Rulers were both the religious and political leaders.
Palace and temple combined in the Citadel or fortress.
Streets in Mohenjo-Daro

8. Shiva and Mother Parvati
Mohenjo-Dara and Harappa
Mohenjo-Dara and Harappa
Believed in many gods and goddesses.
Most important were the gods of fertility and the harvest.
Strong farming regions near the Indus that produced wheat, barley and peas.
The Indus Valley also was trading extensively with Mesopotamia. They provided textiles and food in exchange for copper, lumber, and precious stones, cotton and luxuries.
Lack of written records has made it difficult to learn as much about the Harappan civilization as is known about Egypt and Mesopotamia. By 1500 BC civilization disappears- not sure why.
Shiva and Mother Parvati

9. What does it mean to migrate?
Indo European and Aryan Migrations
Indo European and Aryan Migrations
Eventually floods, an earthquake, or changes in climate weakened the once flourishing civilization
Aryan invasions began around 1500 BC, and waves of Aryans swept through passes in the Mountains- Hindu Kush- into the Indus River Valley. Then conquered the Ganges Plains
What does it mean to migrate?

10. Indo-Europeans- The Hittites Indo-Europeans- The Hittites
Anatolia was their capital, and they also controlled the ancient city of Babylon
Spoke the Babylonian language – Akkadian.
Adopted the Babylonian culture
Ruled for 450 years
This is a group of Indo – Europeans who migrated to the West into Turkey.
Hittites  (hĭt´īts) , ancient people of Asia Minor and Syria, who flourished from 1600 to 1200 The Hittites, a people of Indo-European connection, were supposed to have entered Cappadocia c.1800 To the southwest, in the Taurus and Cilicia, were the Luites, relatives of the Hittites; to the southeast, in the Upper Euphrates, the Hurrians (Khurrites). In the country the Hittites then occupied, the aboriginal inhabitants were apparently the Khatti, or Hatti. Hittite names appear c.1800 on the tablets written by Assyrian colonists (see Assyria) at Kültepe (Kanesh) in Cappadocia. However, real evidence of Hittite existence does not occur until the Old Hittite Kingdom (1600—1400 ). This kingdom, which was centered in Cappadocia, was opposed by the Syrians. The Hittites tried to invade Babylonia but were halted by Egypt and Mitanni.
The Hittite Empire that followed the Old Kingdom, with its capital at Boğazköy (also called Hattusas), was the chief power and cultural force in W Asia from 1400 to 1200 The famous Hittite rulers date from this period. Among these are Supiluliumash (fl ), who is mentioned in the Tell el Amarna letters; Mursilish II (fl ); and Hattusilish III (fl ). The Hittite Empire was a loose confederation that broke up under the invasions of the Thracians, Phrygians, and Assyrians c.1200 Several small states arose, with Carchemish becoming an outstanding city. The neo-Hittite kingdom (c.1050—c.700 ) was conquered by the Assyrians, who installed Hittite princes as vassals to their throne.
The artistic work of the Hittites, as in reliefs, round sculptures, and seals, shows a high state of culture and considerable Babylonian and Assyrian influence. A great number of inscriptions have been uncovered in the Hittite area; these are for the most part in cuneiform. Besides the Babylonian inscriptions, there are many in Hittite hieroglyphs, or Kanesian. The Hittite language is Indo-European. There are several other languages meagerly represented in the Hittite archives: the so-called Luwian (similar to Hittite), and Khattian and Hurrian (both non—Indo-European and apparently unrelated to one another). There is also a hieroglyphic alphabet (or syllabary) liberally represented; the deciphering of this script was aided by the bilingual texts found at Karatepe and was published by H. T. Bossert. The Hittite civilization clearly had many foreign elements, notably from Mesopotamia; its pantheism borrowed most of its concepts from Babylonian, Assyrian, and Hurrian sources. The Hittite law codes are interesting partly because they are to some extent independent of the Babylonian. The Hittites were one of the first peoples to smelt iron successfully.
Map showing the extent of the Hittite empire. Courtesy Wikipedia commons.

11. Hittite soldiers above.
The Hittites
The Hittites
Legal code was more lenient than Hammurabi’s code.
Iron chariots and weapons of iron gave them an edge.
Negotiated an alliance or treaty with the Egyptians.
Hittite soldiers above.

12. Indo European and Aryan Invaders Indo European and Aryan Invaders
The Vedic Period BC- Invaders breached the Khyber Pass in the Hindu Kush Mtns.
Conquered the Indus valley region of India.
War-like and pastoral people.
These invaders were lighter skinned than the original inhabitants of the region.
Aryan warrior-herders sang rousing hymns and recited epics, for centuries they were passed by word of mouth from generation to generation. Eventually the Aryans developed a written form of Sanskrit. Priests collected the hymns and poems and legends into holy books- the Vedas, or “Books of Knowledge.”

13. An Indian Raja and Princess.
Indo European and Aryan Invaders
Indo European and Aryan Invaders
Aryan Kings or Leaders were called “Rajas” – (“princes”)
India was made of warring kingdoms and shifting alliances.
Ancient Aryan legends and hymns describe people who delighted in waging war, gambling on chariot races, and singing and dancing at festivals. Cattle were the basis of their diet and economy, even serving as money. Wealth was measured in cattle, so the Aryans raided each other’s herds. They were often at war.
An Indian Raja and Princess.

14. Indo European and Aryan Invaders Indo European and Aryan Invaders
Iron tools – plow, etc, made them good farmers.
They produced: rice, wheat, barley, millet.
Spices included: cinnamon, pepper, and ginger.

15. Selections from the Rig Veda above, courtesy Wikipedia Commons.
Indo European and Aryan Invaders
Indo European and Aryan Invaders
Writing – Sanskrit
Top works include: The Vedas - A collection of hymns that form the foundation of the religion of Hinduism.
Panini's book was called the Astadhyayi and was written in about the forth century B.C. It is a complete grammar of the Sanskrit language. Sanskrit was a language only used by the Brahmins. Panini's work helped to begin the standardization of the language. Scholars today are able to learn many things about what the language was like in Panini's time because he had written his book outlining so much about the structure of the language.
Selections from the Rig Veda above, courtesy Wikipedia Commons.

16. Indo European and Aryan Invaders Indo European and Aryan Invaders
Part of the Mahabharata- includes the story of Arjuna’s decision to fight no matter what the personal cost (he had to fight kinsmen). This illustrates the importance of dharma in Indian life. As a warrior, Arjuna had to do his duty, even if it meant fighting against his own family.
Arjuna took his case to the god Krishna: “O Krishna, when I see my own people…eager for battle, my limbs shudder, my mouth is dry, my body shivers, and my hair stands on end…I can see no good in killing my own kinsmen.” Krishna answered, “As a warrior, your duty is to fight a righteous battle…Arise, O Arjuna, and be determined to fight. Get ready for battle without thought of pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat.”
As a warrior, Arjuna understood Krishna’s words. A warrior must fight. It was his duty.

17. Religions in India Religions in India
The dominant religion in the region is Hinduism which was brought in by the original Aryan invaders.
With the birth of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) in 600 BC, the religion of Buddhism was also introduced in India.

18. Religions in India Religions in India Vedas
Aryans brought with them a strong oral tradition, and religion.
These became the foundation for the religion of Hinduism.
They established a social institution and class system – caste system.
Vedas
The term yoga is sanskrit for the word discipline.

19. Impact of the Caste System
Position in society based on skin color.
Occupation, and economic status are determined by your caste.
This will also determine who you marry.

20. Aryan Social Classes Aryan Social Classes Brahmins – priests
Kshatriyas – rulers and warriors
Vaishyas – artisans and traders
Shudras – laborers and servants
You are born into a caste for life.
It determines: who you will marry, the job you will have, and the people you are allowed to associate with.
Higher castes are concerned with ritual purity.
Social classes= varnas
Varnas were divided into smaller groups known as jati according to occupation

21. The Untouchables The Untouchables
Pariahs
Skinned animals and tanned their hides for leather- lived outside the village and were shunned by most other people
The lowest social class were known as untouchables because they did the dirtiest work that was considered unclean and impure. They were butchers, gravediggers, and trash collectors.

22. A Hindu widow commits sati above.
Family Life in India
Family Life in India
Patriarchal – men are educated and allowed to inherit.
Women - no status, and daughters were an financial drain. (Dowry).
Suttee – wife throws herself onto the pyre of her dead husband.
3 Generations may live under one roof. Marriages were and still are, arranged. Divorce was not allowed. A man was able to take a second wife, provided that the first one was barren.
Boys are taught by a guru – which means teacher.
For many traditionalists, this Hindu practice symbolizes the epitome of wifely devotion, especially among the Rajput caste of  Northern India (Harlan 1995: 80).  In addition, some Hindus believe the act of self-immolation by a widow facilitates the attainment of spiritual salvation for her dead husband.  The woman who commits sati is also revered as a goddess (81).  On the other hand, feminists, political leaders, and many of India’s rural people and elite contend that the glorification of sati is a national disgrace and an immoral act.  Understandably, the differing points of view have created strong division among India’s people, especially among women.
A Hindu widow commits sati above.
A Rajput girl – right.

23. Extent of Mauryan Empire under Asoka
After 400 B.C., India faced new threats from the west–first from Persia, Greece, and Macedonia, under Alexander the Great in 327 B.C.
Alexander left quickly, but his invasion gave rise to the first Indian dynasty.
Extent of Mauryan Empire under Asoka

24. Asoka Maurya above. Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.
Mauryan Empire
Mauryan Empire
One of the most influential leaders of India for all times, was the 3rd century B.C. Mauryan ruler, Asoka.
During the reign of Asoka, Buddhism spread to different parts of the world, and large parts of India were united for the first time.
Asoka’s rule began in 274 BC. His merciless armies swept across India hunting down and kill their enemies. After one particularly brutal battle, Asoka rode out to view the battlefield. The experience changed his life. As he looked on the bloodied bodies of the dead and maimed, the Indian ruler was horrified. He renounced war. He set up hospitals for people and animals, and he ordered a system of shade trees and shelters for travelers.
India flourished economically under Asoka.
It became an important crossroads in a commercial network from the Pacific Rim to Southwest Asia and the Mediterranean Sea.
Asoka died in 232 B.C.
The empire then declined.
The last Mauryan ruler was killed in 183 B.C., and India fell into disunity.
Asoka Maurya above. Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.

25. Kingdom of the Guptas Kingdom of the Guptas
500 years passed before Chandragupta, a local prince, established a new kingdom in 320 A.D.
Arts and sciences flourished, and the Gupta period would later be called India’s Golden Age.
Gupta dynasty would rule northern India for more than 200 years.
Coin of the Gupta king Kumara Gupta I. Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.

26. Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang came India in the time of Gupta Empire
Kingdom of the Guptas
Kingdom of the Guptas
Guptas created a new age of Indian civilization, especially under Chandragupta II, who ruled from 375 to 415.
A Chinese Buddhist monk named Faxian spent several years in northern India, and he admired the Gupta rulers, their tolerance of Buddhism, and the region’s economic prosperity.
Image from wikipedia
Gupta rulers began to write down rules for everything, from grammar to drama to politics. Status of women had declined since Aryan times, by Gupta times, parents were choosing mates for their children and child mariages were common.
Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang came India in the time of Gupta Empire

27. Kingdom of the Guptas Kingdom of the Guptas
Aryabhata was the Gupta Empire’s most famous mathematician.
He was one of the first scientists known to have used algebra.
Indian mathematicians also introduced the concept of zero.
image
The symbols 1 to 9 were adopted by traders from the Middle East and so came to be called “Arabic numerals” in the West. Realized the earth was round and had some knowledge of gravity.
Aryabhata

28. Kingdom of the Guptas Kingdom of the Guptas
They traded salt, cloth, and iron domestically and as far away as China and the Mediterranean.
In the fifth century A.D., invasion by nomadic Huns from the northwest weakened the empire.
Later Gupta rulers lived extravagantly, which weakened the people’s loyalty. Chandragupta II’s death in 415 AD also lead to decline. By 600, the Gupta Empire had dissolved into a collection of small states.
Trade in the ancient world brought many cultures and kingdoms together. Silk road was 4,000 miles.

29. Indo European and Aryan Invaders Indo European and Aryan Invaders
Babur was the leader of the Mughal Empire. It was the last great native ruling family in India prior to the British takeover in 1757.
The Mughals or Moguls were Islamic and very warlike.
Map showing the expansion of territory under the Moguls. Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.

30. The Taj Mahal The Taj Mahal
“Poetry in marble.”The most famous tomb in the world.
Built in AD by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his beloved wife.
She asked him “to build a tomb in her memory such as the world had never seen before.”
The history of Taj Mahal, a monument which has been described as 'poetry in marble' was constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. He erected this mausoleum in the memory of his beloved wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, popularly known as Mumtaz Mahal, who died in A.D According to the history of Taj Mahal it is believed that her dying wish to her husband was "to build a tomb in her memory such as the world had never seen before." Indeed, centuries later, no tomb has been able to even remotely equal the glory of the marvelous Taj.
A study of the history of Taj Mahal reveals that it was started in A.D and completed at the end of 1648 A.D. It is believed that the Taj is a result of twenty thousand workmen toiling day and night for twenty two whole years. A small town was built for the laborers called 'Mumtazabad' - named after the deceased empress. The town is now known as Taj Ganj.
Amanat Khan Shirazi was the calligrapher of Taj Mahal, his name occurs at the end of an inscription on one of the gates of the Taj. Poet Ghyasuddin had designed the verses on the tombstone, while Ismail Khan Afridi of Turkey was the dome maker. Muhammad Hanif was the superintendent of Masons. The designer of Taj Mahal was Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.
The material for the construction of the Taj was brought in from all over India and central Asia. It is believed that it took a fleet of 1000 elephants to transport it to the site! The history of Taj Mahal provides us with fascinating details about Mughal history and architecture.
Red sandstone was brought from Fatehpur Sikri, Jasper from Punjab, Jade and Crystal from China, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire from Sri Lanka, Coal and Cornelian from Arabia and diamonds from Panna. In all 28 kind of rare, semi precious and precious stones were used for inlay work in the Taj Mahal. The chief building material, the white marble was brought from the quarries of Makrana, in Rajasthan. Thus the history of Taj Mahal shows us the organizing capacity of the Mughal Empire and the vision of Emperor Shah Jahan, who was able to bring together many skilled artisans to create this beautiful monument to eternal love.

31. Check for Understanding Check for Understanding
Name the two rivers that supported the first civilizations in India.
Describe what could be found in Mohenjo-Daro.
What key contribution do we get from the Aryans?
What is the caste system?
What two religions came out of this culture?