1. The Aryans

2. Definition
Invasion- Forced entry, intrusion, taking over

3. Aryan Invasion The Aryans were a group from Eurasia
They were nomads who traveled from place to place
Around 1500 BCE, they settled in India around the Indus River

4. Aryan Invasion
The Aryans conquered and took control of the cities of the Indus Valley
The people of the Indus Valley had been weakened by famine
The Aryans were strong warriors and also had advanced weapons and tools

5. Migration Route of Aryans 1500 BCE

6. Cultural Diffusion Cultural Diffusion- The spreading of culture
Ideas, technology, food, music, clothing, etc.
The Aryans gave up their nomadic lifestyle and settled in India
They brought their culture to India
Over time, Aryan culture merged with the local culture

7. Impact of Aryan Culture
The Aryans had major influence on Indian culture in 3 major areas
Religion: Hinduism
Written Language: Sanskrit
Social Structure: Caste System

8. Hinduism The Hindu religion is based off several Aryan beliefs:
The belief in many gods and that these gods lived in nature
The Vedas are sacred texts (similar to the Bible)

9. Hinduism
Today Hinduism is practiced by over 1 billion people and is the 3rd largest religion in the world
It is also the oldest living religion in the world
(Oldest religion that is still practiced- Over 3,000 years old)

10. Sanskrit- A written language
When the Aryans came to India, the people in India did not have a universal language
The Aryans introduced Sanskrit and it spread throughout India
The Vedas were written in Sanskrit

11. Caste System
The caste system in India has been around for over 2,000 years
People are divided into groups based on their occupation
People remained in their castes for life
There are 5 different levels within the Caste System

12. Caste System
Brahman- Priests and other holy men

13. Caste System
Kshatriyas- Rulers, warriors, and land owners

14. Caste System
Vaishyas- Merchants and traders

15. Caste System
Shudras- Artisans and farmers

16. Caste System
Harijans- Outside the Caste System, known as “Untouchables”

17. Caste System
This was a dominant part of Indian culture until the mid-1900s when it was made illegal
Although it is illegal, it is still followed in India as an unspoken rule
Gandhi fought for the rights of “untouchables”

18. Empires of India

19. Small Kingdoms of India
During the time of the Aryans (1500–500 BCE), chiefdoms began to develop
Chiefdom- A group of villages under the control of one leader
Over time, these chiefdoms slowly changed into kingdoms with a central government
Most of India began to be divided into small states or kingdoms

20. Chandragupta Maurya
Strong military commander who rose to power at the age of 20
United the kingdoms of Northern India, becoming the first true emperor of India
Created a dynasty- His sons would go on to rule the Mauryan Empire

21. Mauryan Empire Lasted from 321 B.C.E to 185 B.C.E (about 150 years)
Mostly in modern-day India. Parts in modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Iran
Population is estimated to be about 50 million
320 B.C.
305 B.C.
300 B.C.

22. Maurya Empire Developed a trading network across South Asia
Created a system of finance, administration, and security
Created the world’s first currency (money)
Ashoka the Great was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya (ruled from 265 BCE-238 BCE)
Known for being a strong warrior and then later spreading Buddhism

23. Ashoka the Great
He was a great warrior and conquered much land for the Empire
Elephant Armies
After fighting many battles, he was disgusted with the violence and decided to lead a peaceful life
Ashoka changed from being a warrior to spreading education and trade
He converted to Buddhism and dedicated his life to spreading the religion
Buddhism is a religion centered around peace and living in harmony with nature

24. Gupta Empire
After Ashoka the Great died, most of India broke off into smaller kingdoms and empires for several centuries
Chandra Gupta I was able to unite many kingdoms and form the next large empire of India
Lasted 320 CE-550 CE (about 230 years)

25. Gupta Empire
Built roads, linking cities and towns and increasing trade
India was wealthy under the Gupta Empire
Hinduism became the main religion, although religious freedom was encouraged

26. Gupta Empire Many inventions and scientific discoveries
Called the “Golden Age of India”
Schools and universities were built
Developed Arabic numerals, the basis of our number system
Created the concept of 0 (zero)
The zero makes it possible to use multiple digits and make math operations easier