1. Aryans Harappan civilization collapsed about 1500 BC
Earthquakes and floods may have been responsible for their demise.
A group called Aryans then settled in the area

2. Aryans
Aryans- not a race or ethnic group, were part of a larger group called Indo-Europeans

3. Aryans
Cattle were important to Aryans and at times used them as money.
Eventually the Aryans would declare cattle as being sacred and forbid them to be used as food.

4. Aryans
Aryans developed a writing language called Sanskrit

5. Aryans
Over time Sacred songs, prayers and poems were written down in Sanskrit.
Aryans were organized into tribes and were lead by a raja

6. Aryans Rajas often fought amongst themselves
Fought over cattle, treasure, women
Their kingdoms lasted from 1500 BC to 400 BC

7. Society In Ancient India
From the Aryans comes the development of the caste system.
Caste - a social group or level that one is born into and cannot get out of.

8. Society In Ancient India
VARNAS
Caste will dictate what job you have
Who you marry
With whom you can eat and drink
India calls the groups Jati
Priests
Warriors, Rulers
Common People
Laborers, Servants
Outcasts, Children
of God

9. Society In Ancient India
Brahmans-Priests; only people who could perform religious ceromonies
Kshatriyas- Warriors who ran the government
Vaisyas- farmers and Merchants
Sudras-Manual Laborers

10. Society In Ancient India
Untouchables forced to live away from others
Were considered polluting

11. Society In Ancient India
Role of men and Women
Family was the center of life
Men had more rights than women
Only sons could inherit property

12. Society In Ancient India
Role of men and Women
Only men could go to school
Women received their education at home
At the top of Indian society boys had gurus or a teacher

13. Society In Ancient India
Role of men and Women
In India marriages were arranged by parents.
In todays world 90% of marriages are arranged.
Divorce was not allowed

14. Society In Ancient India
Role of men and Women
But a second wife could be taken if the couple could not have children
In prominent families when the man died he was cremated and the wife was expected to jump into the funeral flames.
If the wife did not jump it was considered a great shame.

15. Review What caused the collapse of the Harrapan civilization?
Describe the cities of Harappa and Mohenja-Daro.
How did Aryan and Harappan life styles differ?

16. Society In Ancient India
Role of men and Women
If the wife did not jump it was considered a great shame.
This practice is called Sati
Today it is illegal in India, but is practiced by some sects.