Classical Civilization: India 3 Classical Civilization: India

Classical Civilization: India The Framework for Indian History: Geography and a Formative Period Patterns in Classical India Political Institutions Religion and Culture Economy and Society Indian Influence and Comparative Features

Classical Civilization: India

The Framework for Indian History: Geography and a Formative Period Period of Aryan Incursions Buddhists and brahmans shape society Gupta dynasty emerges Peak of artistic, intellectual achievement Distinct from Chinese developments

The Framework for Indian History: Geography and a Formative Period Formative influences Geography Open to influences from the Middle East Alexander the Great Himalayas Isolating, but passable Mountainous northern areas Deccan Semitropical climate Monsoon rains

The Framework for Indian History: Geography and a Formative Period The Great Epics Aryans Indo-European pastoralists Into Asia Minor, Europe, Iran from 2000s B.C.E. Sanskrit epics of the Vedic Age Rig-Veda 1028 hymns Epic Age, 1000-600 B.C.E. Mahabharata, Ramayana The Upanishads

The Framework for Indian History: Geography and a Formative Period Society and Religion in the Vedic and Epic Ages (1500-1000 and 1000-600 B.C.E.) Caste system Varnas Warriors, brahmans, traders and farmers, laborers Untouchables added later Brahmans replace warriors at the top during the Epic Age Religion elaborated Upanishads record developments

Patterns in Classical India End of formative era, c.600 B.C.E. From c. 600 to c. 300 B.C.E. plains divided among rulers Sixteen major states 327 B.C.E., Alexander the Great

Patterns in Classical India The Mauryan Dynasty Chandragupta Maurya, 322 B.C.E. Autocratic rule Ashoka (269-232 B.C.E.) Grandson of Chandragupta Conversion to Buddhism Becomes pacific, vegetarian Infrastructure: roads, hospitals, inns Opposed by Brahmins Kushans follow end of Mauryan rule

India at the Time of Ashoka

Patterns in Classical India The Guptas Collapse of Kushan state by 220 C.E. Autocratic rule Guptas From 320 C.E. Long period of stable rule Overthrown by Huns in 535 C.E.

The Gupta Empire

Political Institutions Consistent tradition of regionalism Attempts to hold large areas Mauryan rulers rely on armies Guptas create taxation system, claim divine sanction In general simple political culture Kautilya is an exception Chandragupta’s chief minister Treatise on politics

Political Institutions Social organization Caste system becomes more rigid Yet social mobility existed Rulers could rise from lower castes No slavery

Religion and Culture Hinduism Origins in Vedic and Epic Eras No single founder, develops gradually Fluid, adaptable Brahmans Develop abstract aspects of gods Upanishads Tension between ritual and spirituality Brahmans versus gurus

Religion and Culture Hinduism (cont’d) Brahma – holy essence Different paths for a good life Yoga Brahmans’ ritual Personal devotion Dharma Moral law Not prescriptive

Religion and Culture Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama, born c. 563 B.C.E. Takes to wandering life, asceticism Four Noble Truths Escape suffering by renouncing worldly things Achievement of nirvana Spread through work of monks Conversion of Ashoka Opposed by brahmans

Religion and Culture Arts and Sciences Literature Strong traditions of storytelling Drama University center under Guptas Some borrowing from Greeks Aryabhatta

Religion and Culture Arts and Sciences (cont’d) Mathematics Originated “Arabic” system, including zero Negative numbers, square roots Architecture – stupas Lively murals

Economy and Society Society Caste system influences many aspects of life Status of women diminishes Yet, stress on loving relationships Children indulged in early years

Economy and Society Economy Strong manufacturing Trade Textiles Steel Guilds, selling from shops Trade Greater status than in China Trade with East Asia, Middle East, Roman Empire, Southeast Asia

Indian Influence and Comparative Features Indian Ocean a hub for contacts Buddhism carried to China Influence on Greeks and Romans

Indian Influence and Comparative Features China and India Compared Chinese restraint versus Indian sensuality Sciences Chinese prefer the practical Indians interested in mathematics Popular worldviews Hindu peasants had more local control Indian merchants more important

Global Connections: India and the Wider World Open to influence Buddhism, spread both east and west India especially influential in southeast Asia Most open among classical civilizations

Eurasian and African Trading Goods and Routes