Ancient and Classical India

Indian Subcontinent India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh River Valley Indus and Ganges Farming is possible only in flood plain of rivers Monsoons – seasonal winds Dominate India’s climate October – May = Winter June – September = Summer

Indus River Valley

Harappan Planned Cities Cities were laid out in a grid system Used earthen walls and levees to keep out flood water Eventually developed system to raise cities high enough to avoid flooding Writing system: Harappan Language has not been deciphered

Harappan City Grid

Aryans Migration of Indo-European people into Indian subcontinent ( BCE) Aryans crossed over the mountains and into the Indus River Valley No archaeological record except Vedas Collection of prayers, spells,and rituals Rig Veda has 1,200 hymns to Aryan Gods Originally an oral record but eventual they are written

Vedas

Caste System Aryan were taller, and had lighter skin color than people native to India India Dasas: meaning dark skin Aryans were divided into three social classes: Priests, warriors, and peasants Developed a fourth class for non-Aryan Dasas Varna (skin color) distinguished the four social classes. Groups known as Varnas

Social Classes (Varnas) Brahmans: priests Kshatriyas:warriors, rulers Viasyas: common people, merchants Sudras: unskilled laborers, servants Pariahs: untouchables, slaves

CASTE SYSTEM Castes determined by the previous life Caste system is a rigid social system that allows for NO social change Occupation, marriage, education, even diet is determined by hereditary caste Promoted social harmony – everyone followed rules of behavior Pariahs are not part of the system and are called untouchables b/c they are considered dirty (butchers, gravediggers, trash collectors)

Hinduism No one single Holy Book – many books called the Upanishads Achieve liberation from suffering and desire Achieve perfect understanding: Moksha (MOHKshah) Cannot be accomplished in one lifetime Reincarnation – cycle of life and rebirth Goal: to escape this cycle and be reunited with Brahman Hindus believe the universe has been created and destroyed many times

Hinduism and Society Your Karma in this life determines your form in the next life (higher or lower Varna) Dharma: the duties of a person according to their Varna Follow your dharma – achieve good karma Effects of Hinduism on Society ~ reinforced social hierarchy ~ promoted high ethical standards ~ respect for all living things ~ promotes a vegetarian diet and honors the sacred cow