1. Harrapa and Mohenjo-Daro
First known cities in Indus River Valley
Known for having grid-like cities with straight streets
Also known for having indoor plumbing/bathrooms

2. Homes made of oven-baked bricks
Not much is known about religion and government because their writing cannot be deciphered
Many theories about how they disappeared or declined
Natural disaster-drought, earthquake, flood
Invasion
Ran out of fertile land

3. Aryans Part of a language-family known as Indo-European
Raised cattle for milk, meat and butter
Were nomads-traveling from place to place
Expert horse riders, hunters and warriors

4. Aryans
Eventually settled in India and became farmers along the Ganges River valley
Began using iron tools for farming
Built irrigation systems
They lived in tribes
Each tribe had a prince or raja that lead them
The tribes were like small kingdoms
The kingdoms often fought with one another over cattle , treasure and land

5. Vedas The written language of the Aryans is called Sanskrit
It was used to record sales, trade and land ownership
Hymns, stories, poems and prayers were also written
The Vedas are a collection of sacred texts
Included songs and stories about their gods

6. The Caste System in India

7. VARNAS
The four social classes of ancient India were known as the varnas
Varna is also known as the caste system
You were born into your varna
You stay in your caste for life
Your caste determines your job and spouse

8. BRAHAMIN
The top position in social hierarchy of India, they were usually in charge of religious ceremonies that were a dominant part of Indian life.
Priests

9. KSHATRIYAS Warriors, Rulers
The warrior and military elite class. Sometimes families from other varnas were allowed into this class.
Warriors, Rulers

10. VAISYAS
Commoners – The Vaisyas were mostly artisans, merchants or farmers.

11. SUDRAS
Largest population of Indians – most were peasants or worked in manual labor. Limited rights in the society.
Servants
Unskilled Workers

12. UNTOUCHABLES
Lowest level of Indian society. They were given degrading tasks and labor that other Indians would not do. They would often collect trash or dead bodies. They had a very difficult life and were treated inhumanely.