Classical India CHAPTER 3

#1 Politics How is Classical India different? More integrated with Rome, Middle east than China. Aryan invasion 1600-1100 BCE- brought Sanskrit, literary tradition, caste system (varnas); Vedic & Epic Eras 327-325 BC/BCE- Alexander the Great brings hellenistic (Greek)culture Tends to be made up of regional kingdoms (even when unified) 16 kingdoms by 600 BCE

Mauryan Dynasty Invasion of Greeks prompted rise of Mauryan Dynasty TWO RULERS: Chandragupta 322 BCE- : large armies, substantial bureaucracy, autocratic rule Ashoka 269-232: extended territory converted to Buddhism honored Hinduism encouraged trade- roads,wells Regional kingdoms resurfaced Guptas ruled empire using marriage, alliances

Gupta 320 CE- Golden Age of classical India Stable Leaders claimed to be “appointed by gods” How to deal with regional princes? Negotiation, marriage, avoided fighting Ended 535 CE

#2 Economy Trade items: cloth, cashmere Southern India oceanic trade Rome, ME, China (silk road)

#3 Religion Hinduism Books: Rig Veda No single founder- traced back to Epic/Vedic Age Dieties: Brahma- “divine principle” manifested in various forms. Examples: Vishu- preserver Shiva- destroyer Two types: Ritualistic vs. Holymen One focused on traditions (ie dietary restrictions- beef), the other on communion with divine soul

Afterlife: reincarnation Caste system- may move to a higher caste in next life Ultimate goal to reincarnate with full union of the soul with Brahma Ethics: Dharma A guide to living in the world while still attempting to reach spiritual goal of union with Brahma

Buddhism 563 BCE Siddhartha Gautama 4 Noble truths All life is suffering Suffering is caused by desire Get rid of desire= get rid of suffering Follow the 8 Fold Path to get rid of desire 8 fold path focuses on right behaviours and meditation Nirvana- the state of nothingness- no more reincarnation Supported by Ashoka

#4 Society Caste system defined economics with social structure Family life, patriarchal, began with arranged marriages at young ages India’s location, religion encouraged trade, manufacturing Wealthy held by limited few Women: low treatment- BUT evident stories of strong willed women/ belief in goddesses

#5 Culture- mostly Gupta Literature focused on adventure, everyday life, imagination, romance Epic Poems Sinbad the Sailor- Panchatantra Science Astronomical knowledge Medical knowledge of vaccines, sterilization Mathematics included zero, negative , numbers Artwork extremely stylized and lively -2-101234567890

Indian Influence Indian merchants, dominance of seas with lateen sail, spread civilization to SE Asia

VII. China & India Similar? Different?