1. Warm Up
Grab a reading over Hinduism and Buddhism. (these are class sets please do not write on it)
After you have read over both religions come up with 3 similarities and 3 differences between the two.

2. Social Structure in India
The Caste System
Assignment #12 in ISN
Social Structure in India

3. The Caste System
Definition:
A type of social organization/hierarchy in which a person’s occupation and position in life is determined by the circumstances of his birth.

4. How Caste Shapes Society
Rigid, membership into a caste is based only on birth
Marriage only allowed among member of same caste
Occupation choices restricted
Personal contact with other castes restricted
Acceptance of fixed place in society

5. How One’s Caste is Determined
Reincarnation
A person is born, lives, dies, and is reborn again many times.
Souls are reborn many times until they are pure enough to be with the creator, Brahma
Karma
A person’s social position in the next life is determined by his conduct in the present life.

6. How One’s Caste is Determined
Dharma
Code of behavior or set of moral and ethical rules that govern the conduct of each social class.
Each group has a different set of rules to live by.
Laws of Manu
Hindu book of sacred law
Rules and restrictions for daily life

7. Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaisyas Sudras Priests, Teachers, Judges
The Four Castes
Brahmins
Priests, Teachers, Judges
need other castes to work the land and provide for them
Kshatriyas
Warriors and Rulers (landowners)
Vaisyas
Skilled Traders, Merchants, Farmers
Sudras
Unskilled Workers—Laborers and Craft workers

8. Below these four castes are people who belong to no caste
Outcastes
Below these four castes are people who belong to no caste
Untouchables – Outcastes
Concept of pollution…the most pure at the top (Brahmins) and the most polluted at the bottom (Untouchables)

9. Draw this!

10. Two Empires of India Mauryan Empire: 324 BC- 183 BC
It had a strong military
Originally was a Hindu nation although that later changed to Buddhism in some parts
Was one of the more advanced civilizations of its time
Lots of trading goods by sea & by land

11. Ashoka: Mauryan Leader
Mauryan Empire: 324 BC- 183 BC
Reached its peak under the leader Ashoka
Ashoka means “painless”
He was born into a wealthy family
Had royal military training; was a trained fighter (according to legend he beat a lion with just a wooden rod)
Started off as a “bloodthirsty” ruler who conquered a lot of territory

12. Mauryan Empire: 324 BC- 183 BC Mauryan Empire: 324 BC- 183 BC
Ashoka converted to Buddhism & made others convert
Played a critical role in Buddhism’s growth
Built extensive road system for travel/trade
He became a peace-loving ruler of a large and rich state
Even encouraged development of medical treatment for humans and animals

13. Mauryan Empire: 324 BC- 183 BC Mauryan Empire: 324 BC- 183 BC
After Ashoka died, the Mayryan Empire fell apart.
His writings still remained, carved into stone, but a similar leader did not step forward
The Ashoka Chakra or “Wheel of righteousness” was invented by Ashoka. It’s on the Indian flag today.

14. Gupta Empire: 320 AD- 500 AD Gupta Empire: 320 CE- 550CE
Founded by Maharaja Sri-Gyupta
Was the “Golden Age of India”
Was still a Buddhist nation
Lots of inventions & discoveries; creativity
Chess might be from this time period too!

15. Awesome Inventions of Ancient India!
Gupta Empire: 320 CE- 550CE
Awesome Inventions of Ancient India!
Sanskrit language
Geometry & Algebra
Concept of zero, decimal system, number system
How were they diffused (spread)?
Diffused through the conquests of Alexander the Great

16. Similarities of the 2 Empires
Gupta Empire: 320 CE- 550CE
Similarities of the 2 Empires
ARCHITECTUAL→ pillars, stupas, & rock chambers

17. Gupta Empire: 320 AD- 500 AD Gupta Empire: 320 CE- 550CE
Controlled less land than the Mauryan
Strong army
Ruled by kings
Nomadic invaders (the Huns) ended the reign of the Guptas around 500 AD