Essential Question #8 How did physical location lead to the development and success of the Indus River Valley civilization?

Ancient India

Physical Geography Subcontinent – large landmass that is smaller than a continent Mountains –Himalayas –Hindu Kush –Eastern and Western Ghats Rivers –Indus –Ganges –Brahmaputra Thar Desert Deccan Plateau

Climate Mostly hot and humid Monsoon – large wind that often brings lots of rain –Can rain as much as 100 – 200 inches –Causes flooding which deposits silt

First Peoples of India Harappans –Two large, well-planned cities, Harappa and Mohenjo Daro –Mud brick houses with indoor plumbing –Developed a system of weights and measures –Civilization disappeared around 1700 BC Aryans –Took power after the Harrapans –Skilled warriors led by rajas –Sanskrit – ancient Indian language –Created Hinduism

Aryan Society Divided into groups based on occupation Strict rules governed how groups could interact Four main varnas or social classes –Brahmins- priests –Kshariyas- rulers and warriors –Vaisyas- farmers, craftspeople, traders –Sudras- laborers and non-Aryans Interaction between the varnas became stricter over time leading to the caste system

The Caste System Divided Indian society into groups based on a person ’ s birth, wealth, or occupation The caste to which a person belonged determined his or her place in society. Each caste could only associate with members of their caste. EX: could not marry someone of another caste or even eat with someone of another caste Socializing with another caste resulted in a person becoming untouchable