1. Geography of India

2. South Asia(India) is one of the four early places where human civilization began—similar to Egypt (Nile), China (Yellow), and Mesopotamia (Tigris and Euphrates).

3. FACTS… Civilization began along the Indus River
Land is dominated by mountains, rivers, and the massive triangular- shaped peninsula. 
India as a subcontinent - large landmass that extends from a continent.

4. Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world at 29,028 feet.
India was cut off from the rest of the world by the Himalaya Mountains (tallest mountain range in the world) & the Hindu Kush Mountains.
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world at 29,028 feet.

5. India was also isolated to the east and west by water: the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean.
Bengal tigers, now endangered, originated in the areas near the Bay of Bengal. They are now the national symbol for India!

6. What can happen if there is too little or too much rain?
India’s climate is dominated by monsoons - or strong winds.
Winter monsoons blow dry air across India.
Summer monsoons pick up moisture from the ocean and bring rain.
People depend on the summer monsoons for their crops.

7. 2 main rivers in India: Indus & Ganges Rivers
Ganges very sacred to the Hindu tradition
Due to isolation, India had subsidence farming – focus on growing enough food to feed themselves and their families
Important crops: Wheat & grains

8. India made their wealth through agriculture & trade
Economy
India made their wealth through agriculture & trade

9. Mohenjo-Daro & Harappa
1st well-planned cities
Houses made from mud-brick
Laid out in squares
1st Sewer System, canals & flood control

10. The language, writing, government & religion of these cities are a mystery because no tombs or temples have been found. Even more mysterious is its disappearance! People began to abandon these cities in 2000B.C. Could it have been drought, famine, or earthquake? No one knows for sure…

11. Sanskrit Official language of South Asia (India)
Primary language for Hinduism & Buddhism
Included in the 22 languages of India
Sanskrit (1:36)

12. The Caste System Purpose: to provide social order & stability
Founder: Aryans (invaded India)
Each caste, or class, had certain jobs/roles.
You had to stay in the same caste as your parents and you were not allowed to date or marry outside of your caste!
You could never change castes. You were stuck with your position in life forever!

13. performed religious ceremonies Prayed & studied the Vedas KSHATRIYAS
BRAHMINS
performed religious ceremonies
Prayed & studied the Vedas
KSHATRIYAS
took charge of the army and government
They studied the Vedas but were NOT allowed to teach
VAISYAS
sold and traded goods
SUDRA
unskilled workers, served other castes and least educated
DALITS
NO jobs, NO education, they are the lowest of the LOW!