History of South Asia

Developments of the Indus Valley Civilization Writing system Strong central govn’t Masters of overseas trade Organized, planned cities Uniform weights and measures

Indus Valley Civilization Mohenjo-Daro

Two of the world’s oldest cities? Mohenjo-Daro & Harappa Technology Bricks made by kilns (still used today) Plumbing systems Sanitation systems Signs of dentistry: drilled, crowned teeth!

Mohenjo-Daro: Great Bath

What do many scientists believe led to their decline? Flooding Drought Δ in monsoons leaves area cool & dry Tectonic activity diverts river elsewhere Disease

Who were the Aryans? What were the Vedas? Light-skinned herders and hunters from the northwest (possibly 1700 B.C.E.) What were the Vedas? Collection of sacred writings- show ideas of religion, social structure, hymns, etc. Hindu sacred text (to some); oldest in Sanskrit

Aryan Arrival

Aryan social class pyramid Structure was flexible @ first (intermarriage, etc), but became more complex and rigid caste system

Mauryan Empire 320-180 B.C.E. (Chandragupta Maurya) Ruled all but southernmost India Buddhism (Asoka’s pillars)

Gupta Empire 320-550 C.E. (Chandra Gupta I) Golden Age of India (sciences, math, astronomy, religion) Concept of zero & infinity, origin of Arabic #s, heliocentric theory Hinduism

500 healing plants identified Printed medicinal guides Gupta Achievements 1000 diseases classified 500 healing plants identified Printed medicinal guides Kalidasa Literature Plastic Surgery Medicine Inoculations Gupta India C-sections performed Solar Calendar Astronomy Mathematics Decimal System The earth is round PI = 3.1416 Concept of Zero

Muslim missionaries & traders were moving across Africa & Asia Mogul (Mughal) Empire Muslim missionaries & traders were moving across Africa & Asia Moguls, over time, took control over most of Indian subcontinent (1526) Most land gained under Akbar Defeated only by British in 1857

Taj Mahal (Agra, India) 1632-1653 CE by Shah Jahan

Who were the first Europeans? Portuguese, 1500 The East India Company and its significance Began as a trade company for East Indies mainly India & China Soon began ‘ruling’ some India (1757-1858) British Crown then took control of India (there was a Dutch EIC that affected Africa, and SE Asia islands)

What did the British call their empire What did the British call their empire? How did colonization influence Indian culture? Raj (empire) Brought English language* New educational system Built RRs Civil/public services

Modern South Asia India What is significant about 1947? Gained independence from Britain How was India further divided? India formed for Hindus, Pakistan (east & west) for Muslims How might the division of India impact people? Forced to move to country of religion violent conflicts erupted Kashmir

Modern South Asia Sri Lanka** Maldives When did Sri Lanka gain independence, from who? 1948 from Britain; Ceylon S.L. (1972) Britain favored Tamils…prelude to civil war Maldives When did the Maldives gain independence, from who? 1965 from Britain But had been settled by Buddhists, Muslims, Portuguese, and the Dutch!!

Modern South Asia Pakistan/Bangladesh What is significant about 1971? Indo-Pakistani War b/w East & West, India fought against West Pak. Bangladesh created Extremely violent (began with genocide against Bengali Hindus)

Modern South Asia What are 2 regional conflicts: Kashmir disputed b/w India & Pakistan Nuclear proliferation adds to tension Tamils want independent state w/in Sri Lanka (civil war) **More details on your Webquest!!