Ancient Civilizations: India

India - Geography

Origins: Pre-Historic India BCE Archaeological excavations in the Punjab and Indus valleys (right) have revealed the existence of urban cultures at Harappa, the prehistoric capital of the Punjab (located in modern Pakistan); and Mohenjo-Daro on the banks of the River Indus.Archaeological excavations in the Punjab and Indus valleys (right) have revealed the existence of urban cultures at Harappa, the prehistoric capital of the Punjab (located in modern Pakistan); and Mohenjo-Daro on the banks of the River Indus. This early Indian culture is sometimes called the Indus Valley civilization.This early Indian culture is sometimes called the Indus Valley civilization. Historians are not sure who the origin inhabitants were. Many believe the people may have been proto-Dravidians, related to the Dravidians of southern India.Historians are not sure who the origin inhabitants were. Many believe the people may have been proto-Dravidians, related to the Dravidians of southern India. Historians are also unclear as to why the Indus civilization ceased to exist.Historians are also unclear as to why the Indus civilization ceased to exist.

Origins: Arrival of the Aryans BCE Some time in the second millennium BCE the Aryan people arrived in north-west India.Some time in the second millennium BCE the Aryan people arrived in north-west India. The Aryans (Aryan means noble) were a nomadic people who may have come to India from the Caucasus region of southern Russia.The Aryans (Aryan means noble) were a nomadic people who may have come to India from the Caucasus region of southern Russia. They brought with them their language and their religious traditions. These both influenced and were influenced by the religious practices of the peoples who were already living in India.They brought with them their language and their religious traditions. These both influenced and were influenced by the religious practices of the peoples who were already living in India.

Origins: Pre-Historic India BCE Language – Sanskrit The classical literary language of Hindu Indians.The classical literary language of Hindu Indians. First appeared in the text of the Rig Veda.First appeared in the text of the Rig Veda. Grammar is similar to the other Indo-European languages such as Greek and Latin.Grammar is similar to the other Indo-European languages such as Greek and Latin.

Origins: Pre-Historic India BCE Aryan Migration to India

Origins: Arrival of the Aryans BCE Why is the Aryan invasion of India theory so controversial to the understanding of the origins of Indian civilization?Why is the Aryan invasion of India theory so controversial to the understanding of the origins of Indian civilization?

Belief Systems: India Hinduism Considered the world’s oldest religion – over 3,000 years old.Considered the world’s oldest religion – over 3,000 years old. The world’s third largest religion after Christianity and Islam.The world’s third largest religion after Christianity and Islam. - over 900 million followers The dominant religion in India and Nepal (80%) of the pop. In both.The dominant religion in India and Nepal (80%) of the pop. In both.

Belief Systems: India Hinduism Hinduism claims to have many founders, teachers and prophets who claim first hand experience of God.Hinduism claims to have many founders, teachers and prophets who claim first hand experience of God. Hindus recognize one God, Brahman, who is the cause and foundation of all existence.Hindus recognize one God, Brahman, who is the cause and foundation of all existence. The gods of the Hindu faith represent different expressions of Brahman.The gods of the Hindu faith represent different expressions of Brahman.

Belief Systems: India Hinduism Hindus recognize three principal gods:Hindus recognize three principal gods: - Brahma, who creates the universe - Vishnu, who preserves the universe - Shiva, who destroys the universe.

Belief Systems: India Hinduism Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, (Samsara = reincarnation) governed by Karma.Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, (Samsara = reincarnation) governed by Karma.cycle of birth, death, and rebirthcycle of birth, death, and rebirth Hindus believe that the soul passes through a cycle of successive lives and its next incarnation is always dependent on how the previous life was lived (karma).Hindus believe that the soul passes through a cycle of successive lives and its next incarnation is always dependent on how the previous life was lived (karma). Moksha is the end of the death and rebirth cycle.Moksha is the end of the death and rebirth cycle.

“The Wheel of Life” (Samsara = Reincarnation)

Belief Systems - India Hinduism: The Ganges River and Varanasi/Benares After a Hindu is cremated, the ashes are usually scattered in water.After a Hindu is cremated, the ashes are usually scattered in water. The Ganges River is considered the most sacred place to scatter ashes.The Ganges River is considered the most sacred place to scatter ashes. Varanasi (Benares), one of the oldest cities in the world, is seen as a desired place to die.Varanasi (Benares), one of the oldest cities in the world, is seen as a desired place to die. - Anyone who dies here breaks the cycle of life and achieves moksha.

Varanasi / Benares - Cremation

Hindu Men Bathing in the Holy Ganges River

Belief Systems: India Hinduism – Religious Texts The Vedas are the most ancient religious Hindu text and define the truth.The Vedas are the most ancient religious Hindu text and define the truth.Vedas Hindus believe that the texts were received by scholars directly from God and passed onto generations by word of mouth.Hindus believe that the texts were received by scholars directly from God and passed onto generations by word of mouth.

Belief Systems: India Hinduism – Religious Texts – The Vedas The Vedas are the most ancient religious texts which define truth for Hindus.The Vedas are the most ancient religious texts which define truth for Hindus. They got their present form between BCE and were introduced to India by the Aryans.They got their present form between BCE and were introduced to India by the Aryans.

Belief Systems: India The Vedas are made up of four compositions:The Vedas are made up of four compositions: - The Samhitas - The Upanishads - Bhagavad Gita - The Ramayana

Belief Systems: India The Caste System The Aryans introduced the varna system (varna = estates or classes) to India.The Aryans introduced the varna system (varna = estates or classes) to India. Varnas are the historical division of society into 4 broad classes:Varnas are the historical division of society into 4 broad classes:

Belief Systems: India The Caste System  The Brahmins – priests and teachers – the highest caste “Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, wisdom, knowledge, and religiousness--these are the qualities by which the brahmanas work.”“Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, wisdom, knowledge, and religiousness--these are the qualities by which the brahmanas work.” - Bhagavad Gita, Ch. 18, Verse 42

Belief Systems: India The Caste System 2. The Kshatriyas – warriors, soldiers “Heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity, and leadership are the qualities of work for the ksatriyas.”“Heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity, and leadership are the qualities of work for the ksatriyas.” - Bhagavat Gita, Ch. 18, Verse 43.

Belief Systems: India The Caste System 3. The Vaishyas – merchants and artisans 4. The Sudras – unskilled laborers and servants “Farming, cow protection and business are the qualities of work for the vaisyas, and for the sudras there is labor and service to others.”“Farming, cow protection and business are the qualities of work for the vaisyas, and for the sudras there is labor and service to others.” - Bhagavad Gita, Ch. 18, Verse 44

Belief Systems: India Outcastes – Untouchables – “Dalits” Too low to be in the caste systemToo low to be in the caste system Considered “impure” from birthConsidered “impure” from birth Perform jobs that are traditionally considered “unclean”Perform jobs that are traditionally considered “unclean” - scavengers - clean toilets and sewers - handle dead bodies - many Dalit girls forced into prostitution

Belief Systems: India The Caste System – Jatis Hundreds of sub-castes.Hundreds of sub-castes. Exclusive social groups defined by birth, marriage occupation, region, dialect.Exclusive social groups defined by birth, marriage occupation, region, dialect. The higher a person's birth, the greater the blessings.The higher a person's birth, the greater the blessings.

Belief Systems: India Buddhism Is 2,500 years old.Is 2,500 years old. Originated in Nepal when it was part of India.Originated in Nepal when it was part of India. Currently 376 million followers worldwide.Currently 376 million followers worldwide. There is no belief in a personal God. It is not centered on the relationship between humanity and GodThere is no belief in a personal God. It is not centered on the relationship between humanity and God Buddhists believe that nothing is fixed or permanent - change is always possibleBuddhists believe that nothing is fixed or permanent - change is always possible

Belief Systems: India Buddhism Founder: Siddharta Gautama (580 - ) born in Nepal.Founder: Siddharta Gautama (580 - ) born in Nepal. He was born into a royal family, and his privileged life insulated him from the sufferings of life; sufferings such as sickness, age and death.He was born into a royal family, and his privileged life insulated him from the sufferings of life; sufferings such as sickness, age and death. Once he left his royal surroundings he saw an old man, a sick man, and a corpse. He learned that sickness, age, and death are inevitable. He decided to give up his royal lifestyle and become an ascetic.Once he left his royal surroundings he saw an old man, a sick man, and a corpse. He learned that sickness, age, and death are inevitable. He decided to give up his royal lifestyle and become an ascetic.

Belief Systems: India Buddhism Buddha became a wandering monk, devoting himself to meditation and denying himself of material pleasure.Buddha became a wandering monk, devoting himself to meditation and denying himself of material pleasure. After six years of asceticism, he concluded that suffering was not the answer.After six years of asceticism, he concluded that suffering was not the answer. He devoted his life to the “Middle Way” a life without luxury or poverty.He devoted his life to the “Middle Way” a life without luxury or poverty. Most important Buddhist doctrines:Most important Buddhist doctrines: - Four Truths for the Spiritually Noble - The Eightfold Path

Belief Systems: India Buddhism - Four Truths for the Spiritually Noble 1. 1.Suffering is a fact of life. - Birth, aging, sickness, death, encountering the unpleasant, separation from the pleasant, and not gaining what one desires 2. Origin / Cause of suffering: - Unsatisfied cravings, desires - Negative deeds and actions

Belief Systems: India Buddhism - Four Truths for the Spiritually Noble 3. Cessation of suffering = nirvana. 4. The path to the cessation of suffering. - that path is known as the Eightfold Path. Like in Hinduism, Buddhism recognizes reincarnation and karma. Your karma determines what form your reincarnation will take.Like in Hinduism, Buddhism recognizes reincarnation and karma. Your karma determines what form your reincarnation will take.

Belief Systems: India Buddhism – The Eightfold Path 1.Correct view – accurate understanding of the nature of things 2.Correct intention – avoiding thoughts of attachment, hatred, and of harmful intent. 3.Correct speech – refraining from lying, hurtful, harsh, devisive speech 4.Correct action – refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct

Belief Systems: India Buddhism – The Eightfold Path 5. Correct livelihood – avoid selling drugs, weapons, slaves, poisons 6. Correct effort – abandoning negative thoughts and actions ; sustaining positive thoughts and actions 7. Correct mindfulness – awareness of body, mind, spirit 8. Correct concentration – through meditation

Belief Systems: India Belief Systems: India Sikhism - monotheistic * Sikhism was born in the Punjab area of South Asia, which now falls into the present day states of India and which now falls into the present day states of India and Pakistan. Pakistan. 1.3% of India’s population are Sikhs.1.3% of India’s population are Sikhs. The Sikh faith was founded by Guru Nanak around 1500 CE.The Sikh faith was founded by Guru Nanak around 1500 CE. Sikhism combines elements of Hinduism & Buddhism (cycle of life, death, reincarnation, karma) with Islam (monotheism, all humans equal in the eyes of God).Sikhism combines elements of Hinduism & Buddhism (cycle of life, death, reincarnation, karma) with Islam (monotheism, all humans equal in the eyes of God). Sikhism stresses the importance of doing good actions rather than merely carrying out rituals / emphasizes honest living and hard work.Sikhism stresses the importance of doing good actions rather than merely carrying out rituals / emphasizes honest living and hard work. Sikhs reject the caste system.Sikhs reject the caste system. Sikhs have had strained relations with Hindus and Muslims.Sikhs have had strained relations with Hindus and Muslims.

Belief Systems: India Jainism Jainism is an ancient religion from India that teaches that the way to liberation and bliss is to live lives of harmlessness and renunciation.Jainism is an ancient religion from India that teaches that the way to liberation and bliss is to live lives of harmlessness and renunciation. No single founder. The truth has been revealed at different times by a tirthankara = teacher.No single founder. The truth has been revealed at different times by a tirthankara = teacher. There are no gods or spiritual beings that will help human beings.There are no gods or spiritual beings that will help human beings.gods Animals and plants, as well as human beings, contain living souls. Each of these souls is considered of equal value and should be treated with respect and compassion. (ahisma – non-violence).Animals and plants, as well as human beings, contain living souls. Each of these souls is considered of equal value and should be treated with respect and compassion. (ahisma – non-violence). Jains are strict vegetarians and live in a way that minimizes their use of the world's resources.Jains are strict vegetarians and live in a way that minimizes their use of the world's resources. world's resources world's resources Believe in karma as a determination of what the person’s soul will be reincarnated as. The goal is to be liberated from the cycle of rebirth.Believe in karma as a determination of what the person’s soul will be reincarnated as. The goal is to be liberated from the cycle of rebirth.

Belief Systems: India Islam Islam arrived in the Ganges basin in the 7th century, but its influence was not really felt until the Turks arrived in the 11th and 12th centuries CE.Islam arrived in the Ganges basin in the 7th century, but its influence was not really felt until the Turks arrived in the 11th and 12th centuries CE. Muslim rulers sought to conquer Hindu territories and, from the 17th century, to assert the superiority of Islam.Muslim rulers sought to conquer Hindu territories and, from the 17th century, to assert the superiority of Islam. India under the Mughals was ruled by Muslims.India under the Mughals was ruled by Muslims. Islam was established — and flourished — chiefly in areas where Buddhism was in a process of slow decline, that is mainly around modern-day Pakistan, Bangladesh and Kashmir.Islam was established — and flourished — chiefly in areas where Buddhism was in a process of slow decline, that is mainly around modern-day Pakistan, Bangladesh and Kashmir.

Politics and Government: India Pre-Imperial Rule BCE - Aryan conquest BCE - Aryan conquest. 513 BCE - Persians under Darius conquered the Indus Valley – brought India in contact with Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece.513 BCE - Persians under Darius conquered the Indus Valley – brought India in contact with Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece. - As part of the larger Persian Empire, Indian commerce grew. 326 BCE – After defeating the Persians, Alexander the Great (Macedonia / Greece) took the Indus Valley.326 BCE – After defeating the Persians, Alexander the Great (Macedonia / Greece) took the Indus Valley.

Politics and Government: India India had three major forms of imperial rule:India had three major forms of imperial rule: 1.The Mauryan Empire (322 – 180 BCE) 2.The Gupta Empire (320 – 480 CE) 3.The Mughal Empire (1526 – 1858) In between these periods, India was divided and suffered from constant warfare.In between these periods, India was divided and suffered from constant warfare. Beginning in 711 CE, Arab Muslim armies invaded and plundered India.Beginning in 711 CE, Arab Muslim armies invaded and plundered India. By 1206, Persian, Afghan, and Turkish Muslim armies made Islam a permanent fixture on the subcontinent.By 1206, Persian, Afghan, and Turkish Muslim armies made Islam a permanent fixture on the subcontinent.

Politics and Government: India 1.The Mauryan Empire (322 – 180 BCE) Alexander the Great’s retreat from India led to the rise of the first unified Indian Empire under Chandragupta Maurya.Alexander the Great’s retreat from India led to the rise of the first unified Indian Empire under Chandragupta Maurya. - United the Gangetic and Indus Valleys. - Made Pataliputra the capital city. - Learned from the Persians how to divide territory into provinces and rule through governors. - Established a bureaucracy to help govern and collect taxes on agriculture that financed public services. - The state exercised control over all mines and forests, some farms, granaries, shipyards, and spinning and weaving factories.

India under the Maurya

Politics and Government: India 1.The Mauryan Empire (322 – 180 BCE) Ashoka ( BCE), Chandragupta’s grandson, extended the empire to its farthest limits.Ashoka ( BCE), Chandragupta’s grandson, extended the empire to its farthest limits. 261 BCE - He embraced Buddhism after a particularly bloody was of conquest against Kalinga over 100,000 were killed in battle.261 BCE - He embraced Buddhism after a particularly bloody was of conquest against Kalinga over 100,000 were killed in battle. - He used the governors in his empire to spread Buddhist teaching all over India and beyond. For the rest of his rule, Ashoka promoted non-violence, humane treatment for all, from Brahmans to slaves.For the rest of his rule, Ashoka promoted non-violence, humane treatment for all, from Brahmans to slaves. Asoka saw government as a father that takes care of his children without giving them much freedom.Asoka saw government as a father that takes care of his children without giving them much freedom. After he died, the dynasty declined and eventually the empire collapsed.After he died, the dynasty declined and eventually the empire collapsed.

Politics and Government: India 2. The Gupta Empire (320 – 480 CE) Controlled less territory than the Mauryans, but they were able to unify much of northern India under their rule.Controlled less territory than the Mauryans, but they were able to unify much of northern India under their rule. Modeled their government after the Mauryans.Modeled their government after the Mauryans. Under Chandragupta II ( ) India achieved its “Golden Age”Under Chandragupta II ( ) India achieved its “Golden Age” - Indian cash crops – sugar, cotton, pepper, cinnamon was in great demand. - Mathematics – the “Arabic” numerical system was developed. - developed the concept of “zero” - The arts, poetry, drama flourished / Kalidasa = “India’s Shakespeare” - Religious toleration.

Politics and Government: India 2. The Gupta Empire (320 – 480 CE) – The Economy The textile industries were well developed:The textile industries were well developed: - Silk, calico, muslin, linen, wool, cotton were produced in large quantities and exported. - Merchants (Vaisyas) were well respected. Around 480, the invasions of the Huns from Central Asia dealt the dynasty the final blow.Around 480, the invasions of the Huns from Central Asia dealt the dynasty the final blow.

Politics and Government: India Islamic Conquests Arab Muslims first pushed into the subcontinent beginning in 711.Arab Muslims first pushed into the subcontinent beginning in – Turks from Central Asia came – Turks from Central Asia came. - Systematically looted palaces and temples, destroyed religious statues – Dehli Sultinate – led by Persians1206 – Dehli Sultinate – led by Persians - Muslims saw Buddhism as a bigger threat than Hinduism

Politics and Government: India 3. The Mughal Empire ( ) The largest, wealthiest, and most populous of the Islamic empires of the modern world.The largest, wealthiest, and most populous of the Islamic empires of the modern world. Babur ( ), Turkish ruler claiming to be descendent of Mongol conquerors Ghenghis Khan and Tamarlane, conquered northern India.Babur ( ), Turkish ruler claiming to be descendent of Mongol conquerors Ghenghis Khan and Tamarlane, conquered northern India. Mughals (Mongols) were mostly Turks, Persians, Afghans.Mughals (Mongols) were mostly Turks, Persians, Afghans.

Politics and Government: India 3. The Mughal Empire ( ) The high point of Mughal rule in India – Akhbar ( )The high point of Mughal rule in India – Akhbar ( ) - Through conquest, he expanded and consolidated India under centralized, Mughal rule. - Developed a sophisticated bureaucracy to govern his vast empire - Practiced religious tolerance and promoted people of talent to positions of administration irrespective of religious affiliation (Hindus made up 30% of his imperial bureaucracy). - Abolished the property tax on non-Muslims - Made Persian the official language of the Empire

Politics and Government: India 3. The Mughal Empire ( ) Akhbar’s grandson, Shah Jahan ( ) continued to consolidate Mughal rule throughout India.Akhbar’s grandson, Shah Jahan ( ) continued to consolidate Mughal rule throughout India. Had the “Taj Mahal” constructed in honor of his wife who died giving birth to their 15 th child.Had the “Taj Mahal” constructed in honor of his wife who died giving birth to their 15 th child.

Politics and Government: India 3. The Mughal Empire ( ) The origins of the decline of the Mughal Empire start with Shah Jahan’s son – Aurangzeb ( ).The origins of the decline of the Mughal Empire start with Shah Jahan’s son – Aurangzeb ( ). Strict Muslim – sent officials to enforce Islamic laws against gambling, prostitution, drinking & the use of narcotics.Strict Muslim – sent officials to enforce Islamic laws against gambling, prostitution, drinking & the use of narcotics. Forbade suttee.Forbade suttee. Re-imposed the tax on non-Muslims.Re-imposed the tax on non-Muslims. Ordered the destruction of some Hindu temples / Made Hindus pay higher customs taxes than Muslims / but employed more Hindus in the imperial administration than any other Mughal ruler.Ordered the destruction of some Hindu temples / Made Hindus pay higher customs taxes than Muslims / but employed more Hindus in the imperial administration than any other Mughal ruler.

Height of the Mughal Empire

India & China Rising

Thematic Questions 1.Compare the principles of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Islam). 2. Do you think India’s native religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism) will help or hinder India’s current economic reforms? 3. Why is the Aryan invasion of India theory so controversial to the understanding of the origins of Indian civilization? 4.Compare the political theories of Kautilya, aide to India’s Chandragupta Maurya, the Chinese Legalists, and Niccolo Machiavelli. 5.Compare the crisis of conscience experienced by Ashoka Maurya and Emperor Constantine affected their respective empires. 6. Discuss the major achievements of Indian civilization during the three great imperial periods. 7. For most of India’s early history (up to British colonialism), the country found itself divided. What other great ancient civilization in this project also found itself divided? Did the absence of unity help or hinder cultural achievements?

Recommended Web Sites  - The British Museum  /feature1/ - Untouchables /feature1/ /feature1/  sm/ - Hinduism and Indian history sm/ sm/