4.01- Geography 1.India's first civilizations, the Harappan Civilization, grew along the Indus River. 2.When the Indus River flooded, it left behind rich soil. 3.Much of Indian agriculture depends on the summer monsoon. Indians rely on the monsoons bringing rain during the summer. 4.The Hindu Kush and Himalayas are high mountain ranges along India’s north border 5.Most of India is surrounded by water- The Arabian Sea to the west; The Bay of Bengal to the east; The Indian Ocean to the south.

4.02- Politics There are three different theories about the origins of the Indo-Aryans: 1. Theory #1- The invasion theory- Aryans were nomadic warriors who used horse drawn chariots and iron weapons to defeat the local people. 2. Theory #3- Aryans were India's original inhabitants. The characteristics people assumed came from an outside group came through India’s own history. 3. The main evidence for the Aryans comes from the Vedas, which is their collection of sacred hymns and scripture. The Vedas were originally passed by word of mouth, and many praise Aryans gods representing natural forces.

4.03- Politics 1.The Maurya Empire was a powerful empire in Ancient India ruled by the Mauryan dynasty from BCE. 2.The Empire was founded in 322 BCE by Chandragupta Maurya after he overthrew another empire and gained power. 3.Ashoka, a later emperor, initially led as a the civilization as a harsh military leader; however, after a war against Kalinga, he converted to Buddhism and decided to rule peacefully. 4.Ashoka sponsored the spreading of Buddhist ideals into Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, West Asia and Mediterranean Europe.

4.04- Culture 1.The most ancient religious literature of Hinduism is known as the Vedas. These religious verses (text) are known and memorized by many practicing Hindus today. 2.Hinduism evolved from (grew out of) Brahmanism. 3.When the Aryans migrated to India, the new _cultures_ they encountered led to the evolution from Brahmanism to Hinduism. 4.Hinduism is polytheistic_; however, Hindus believe in a supreme god, Brahman, who is the source of all things. 5.Hindus believe that people's actions determine how they are reincarnated.

4.05- Culture 1.Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhārtha Gautama or simply the Buddha, was a sage on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. He spent 29 years as a prince with everything he could want or need. 2.After leaving his palace he observed four examples of suffering he decided to give up his life of material wealth to seek enlightenment. 3.Buddhists believe the root of suffering is desire and that, by following an eight step path, they can end suffering and desire and reach a state of nirvana.

4.09- Social Classes 1.Over time, India developed a social structure based on caste. 2.People inherited their caste from the parents, and they stayed in their caste their entire life. 3.Indian society was highly segregated based on the caste system. Members of different castes did not hang out, they were not allowed to eat together, and rarely married across caste lines. 4.The Vedas identify four caste groups based on religious status: 1) Brahmins- priests; 2) Kshatriyas- rulers and warriors; 3) Vaishyas- landowners, bankers, and merchants; 4) Sudras - farmers, laborers, and servants. 5.Later, a group below the caste system formed. People in this group are known as Dailts, or the Untouchables, and are the people who perform dirty tasks

4.10- Culture The Ancient Indian civilization was an impressive civilization. Their traditions and accomplishments include: 1.Sanskrit literature, including the Bhagavad-Gita, Ramayana, and the Mahabharata. 2.New medical techniques, including plastic surgery, eye operations, and inoculation. Their medical techniques, known as Ayurveda, are still used as alternative medicine today. 3.Mathematics- They invented the numbers 1-9 and 0, the decimal place-value system, and made important advancements in algebra and geometry. 4.Most importantly, Ancient India created Chaturanga, which became the game of chess!