Indus River Geography of Indian Subcontinent Subcontinent-large landmass that juts out from continent Natural Barriers – North Hindu Kush and Himalayas Mts. It’s a peninsula, Indian Ocean Monsoons – Winter monsoons bring hot dry air. Summer monsoons torrential rain

Indus River 2600 BC – Earliest civilization in Indus Valley - Pakistan -Flourished for 700 years -Largest civilization, until Persia 1000 years later -Mohenjo Daro and Harappa twin capitals demonstrated great city planning -Indus houses had sophisticated plumbing systems -They were farmers, weavers, and trading led to contact with Sumer (They saw Sumerian writing) -Early religious beliefs were polytheistic

Indus River 1900 BC – Cities in Indus Valley abandoned -Scholars do not know reason for decline -Invaders damaged local environment, flood, earthquake 2000 to 1500 bc Aryans migrated into Indus -Aryans migrated slowly from Southern Russia -They were the founders of New Civilization -Indo European speaking people

Indus River

VEDIC AGE 1500 to 500 BC Early Aryans left behind little evidence The Vedas - a collection of hymns, chants, ritual instruction and religious teachings taught us what we know about them Nomadic life to Farming 800 BC Aryans learn to make Iron tools Aryan Tribes were led by Rajahs Social Classification – based on occupation: 1.Brahmins or priests 2.Kshatriyas or warriors 3.Vaisyas / herders, farmers, artisans and merchants 4.Were people that little to no Aryan heritage – Surdas

Indus River Polytheistic – Worshipped gods and goddesses who embodied natural forces such as sky, sun, storm, and fire. Chief Aryan deity – INDRA the god of war The Aryan and Dravidian (Natives) cultures acculturated Acculturation – The blending of 2 or more cultures A written language of Sanskrit started flourishing Two Epic Poems: Mahabharata, Ramayana

Indus River Mahabharata Tells of Warfare and religion Ramayana Teaches Values of Behavior The Empires of Indus Valley 1.Mauryan – Leaders: Chandragupta, Asoka 2.Guptas bring about the Golden Age