1. Classical India
CHAPTER 3

2. #1 Politics How is Classical India different?
More integrated with Rome, Middle east than China.
Aryan invasion BCE- brought Sanskrit, literary tradition, caste system (varnas); Vedic & Epic Eras
BC/BCE- Alexander the Great brings hellenistic (Greek)culture
Tends to be made up of regional kingdoms (even when unified) 16 kingdoms by 600 BCE

3. Mauryan Dynasty Invasion of Greeks prompted rise of Mauryan Dynasty
TWO RULERS:
Chandragupta 322 BCE- : large armies, substantial bureaucracy, autocratic rule
Ashoka :
extended territory
converted to Buddhism
honored Hinduism
encouraged trade- roads,wells Regional kingdoms resurfaced
Guptas ruled empire using marriage, alliances

4. Gupta 320 CE- Golden Age of classical India Stable
Leaders claimed to be “appointed by gods”
How to deal with regional princes?
Negotiation, marriage, avoided fighting
Ended 535 CE

5. #2 Economy Trade items: cloth, cashmere Southern India oceanic trade
Rome, ME, China (silk road)

6. #3 Religion Hinduism Books: Rig Veda
No single founder- traced back to Epic/Vedic Age
Dieties: Brahma- “divine principle” manifested in various forms. Examples:
Vishu- preserver
Shiva- destroyer
Two types: Ritualistic vs. Holymen
One focused on traditions (ie dietary restrictions- beef), the other on communion with divine soul

7. Afterlife: reincarnation
Caste system- may move to a higher caste in next life
Ultimate goal to reincarnate with full union of the soul with Brahma
Ethics: Dharma
A guide to living in the world while still attempting to reach spiritual goal of union with Brahma

8. Buddhism 563 BCE Siddhartha Gautama 4 Noble truths
All life is suffering
Suffering is caused by desire
Get rid of desire= get rid of suffering
Follow the 8 Fold Path to get rid of desire
8 fold path focuses on right behaviours and meditation
Nirvana- the state of nothingness- no more reincarnation
Supported by Ashoka

9. #4 Society Caste system defined economics with social structure
Family life, patriarchal, began with arranged marriages at young ages
India’s location, religion encouraged trade, manufacturing
Wealthy held by limited few
Women: low treatment- BUT evident stories of strong willed women/ belief in goddesses

10. #5 Culture- mostly Gupta
Literature focused on adventure, everyday life, imagination, romance
Epic Poems
Sinbad the Sailor- Panchatantra
Science
Astronomical knowledge
Medical knowledge of vaccines, sterilization
Mathematics included zero, negative , numbers
Artwork extremely stylized and lively

11. Indian Influence
Indian merchants, dominance of seas with lateen sail, spread civilization to SE Asia

12. VII. China & India
Similar?
Different?