1. Unit 2 Classical Civilizations China & India
Kingdoms of the Ganges

2. Aryan Civilization
Indo European(s) people who migrated across Europe to Asia
The Indo Europeans who migrated to India were called Aryans
No Archeological record of early Aryans
Priests called kept oral stories that were passed down for generations
These stories are known as the Vedas (VAY•duhz), or collections of prayers, magical spells, and instruction form performing rituals

4. Aryan Society
They organized into 4 groups based on occupation
Brahmin (Priests)
Warriors
Traders/Landowners
Peasants
Class restrictions became more rigid laborers became distinguished by skin color
Four major groups where known as the varnas until the 15th century when Portuguese explorers called these groups castes

5.
Caste System

6. Aryan Religious Beliefs
Aryans were polytheistic
Indra = God of War = Weapon Thunderbolt
Varuna = God of Order
Agni = God of Fire = Messenger
Brahman = God of all things
Mystics = People who seek spiritual things, or spiritual seekers
Rajahs = Elected warrior leaders

7. ARYAN
Indra
Indra
GODS
Varuna
Agni

8. Nomads to Farmers
The Aryans extended their settlements along the Ganges and Yamuna River valley
Farming difficult in the jungles until the arrival of iron about 1000 B.C.E.
Kingdom of Magadha arose after a struggle between minor kings for territory and power
Written language of Sanskrit began to appear

9. Aryans

10. Mahabharata India’s greatest epic poem
Story of Aryans fighting each other
Five royal brothers fight one battle that lasts 18 days

11. Ramayana
The hero Rama must rescue Sita his beautiful bride from the demon king Ravana
The monkey general Hanuman helps Rama rescue Sita
Rama = ideal king
Sita = ideal women