1. India’s Vedic Age 1500BCE-500BCE

2. The Aryans
Became dominant after decline of Indus Valley civilization (1500BCE)
Conquered much of northern India
Sanskrit language developed(Vedas)

4. Established permanent settlements
Warrior class became less influential over time
Kings replaced tribal chiefs
Brahmins (priests) gained power
Caste system developed

5. The Caste System System of rigid social classes typical of early India
4 Major groups:
1. Kshatriyas (warriors)
2. Brahmins (priests)
3. Vaishyas (middle class)
4. Shudras (peasants)
Untouchables were outside the caste system

6. Brahmanism Derived from religious texts called Vedas
Brahma, the single supreme force, unites everything in the universe
Individual gods represent different aspects of Brahma

7. Each person has an individual soul or atman
The goal of life is to free the atman from its individual existence
This process takes more than one lifetime-samsara

8. Moksha is achieved when the atman is united with Brahma
Good karma is generated by doing the duties (dharma) associated with one’s caste

9. Arjuna’s chariot driver reveals himself to be the god Krishna