Aryans Harappan civilization collapsed about 1500 BC Earthquakes and floods may have been responsible for their demise. A group called Aryans then settled in the area

Aryans Aryans- not a race or ethnic group, were part of a larger group called Indo-Europeans

Aryans Cattle were important to Aryans and at times used them as money. Eventually the Aryans would declare cattle as being sacred and forbid them to be used as food.

Aryans Aryans developed a writing language called Sanskrit

Aryans Over time Sacred songs, prayers and poems were written down in Sanskrit. Aryans were organized into tribes and were lead by a raja

Aryans Rajas often fought amongst themselves Fought over cattle, treasure, women Their kingdoms lasted from 1500 BC to 400 BC

Society In Ancient India From the Aryans comes the development of the caste system. Caste - a social group or level that one is born into and cannot get out of.

Society In Ancient India VARNAS Caste will dictate what job you have Who you marry With whom you can eat and drink India calls the groups Jati Priests Warriors, Rulers Common People Laborers, Servants Outcasts, Children of God

Society In Ancient India Brahmans-Priests; only people who could perform religious ceromonies Kshatriyas- Warriors who ran the government Vaisyas- farmers and Merchants Sudras-Manual Laborers

Society In Ancient India Untouchables forced to live away from others Were considered polluting

Society In Ancient India Role of men and Women Family was the center of life Men had more rights than women Only sons could inherit property

Society In Ancient India Role of men and Women Only men could go to school Women received their education at home At the top of Indian society boys had gurus or a teacher

Society In Ancient India Role of men and Women In India marriages were arranged by parents. In todays world 90% of marriages are arranged. Divorce was not allowed

Society In Ancient India Role of men and Women But a second wife could be taken if the couple could not have children In prominent families when the man died he was cremated and the wife was expected to jump into the funeral flames. If the wife did not jump it was considered a great shame.

Review What caused the collapse of the Harrapan civilization? Describe the cities of Harappa and Mohenja-Daro. How did Aryan and Harappan life styles differ?

Society In Ancient India Role of men and Women If the wife did not jump it was considered a great shame. This practice is called Sati Today it is illegal in India, but is practiced by some sects.