1. Ancient India Read this power point and then answer the questions. You may look back in the power point if you are unsure of a question.

2. Geography India is located under Asia India is located under Asia Huge mountains separate India and Asia. These mountains are called the Himalaya mountains. They are the tallest mountains in the world! Huge mountains separate India and Asia. These mountains are called the Himalaya mountains. They are the tallest mountains in the world! India has 2 major rivers- The Ganges River and the Indus River. India has 2 major rivers- The Ganges River and the Indus River. Indians believe that the Ganges River is holy. Indians believe that the Ganges River is holy. India has monsoons- strong winds that bring heavy rain India has monsoons- strong winds that bring heavy rain

3. The Ganges River The Himalayan Mountains Map of India Monsoons water crops

4. India’s First Cities Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro are India’s first cities Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro are India’s first cities These cities were well planned. The city was laid out in a grid pattern with streets between the houses. These cities were well planned. The city was laid out in a grid pattern with streets between the houses. Houses were built with mud bricks that were baked in the oven Houses were built with mud bricks that were baked in the oven

5. Houses Houses in Ancient India had some modern conveniences. Houses in Ancient India had some modern conveniences. Water came from wells in the city. Water came from wells in the city. Houses had indoor bathrooms (the first indoor bathrooms in the ancient world) Houses had indoor bathrooms (the first indoor bathrooms in the ancient world) Waste water was taken out of the city through sewer tunnels (again, the first sewers) Waste water was taken out of the city through sewer tunnels (again, the first sewers) Garbage chutes allowed people to get rid of their garbage. Garbage chutes allowed people to get rid of their garbage. Ancient India was very well organized to provide all these services. Ancient India was very well organized to provide all these services.

6. People of Ancient India Indians had a caste system- a social group that someone is born into and cannot change. Indians had a caste system- a social group that someone is born into and cannot change. For example, if you were born into a poor family, you will always be poor. You cannot change your social group. For example, if you were born into a poor family, you will always be poor. You cannot change your social group. The caste systems says what job you will have and who you can marry. It also says who you can be friends with. The caste systems says what job you will have and who you can marry. It also says who you can be friends with. The top of the caste system is for priests (called Brahmans) The top of the caste system is for priests (called Brahmans) Under priests are Warriors and rulers Under priests are Warriors and rulers Next are common people Next are common people Then unskilled laborers Then unskilled laborers And finally the “untouchables” And finally the “untouchables”

7. The Caste System

8. Religions of Ancient India Hinduism- Hinduism- One of the oldest religions in the world One of the oldest religions in the world Hindus believe in thousands of gods and godesses Hindus believe in thousands of gods and godesses They believe in reincarnation- being born again in a different form. (A very good person might come back to life as a priest) They believe in reincarnation- being born again in a different form. (A very good person might come back to life as a priest) Karma- if you do good things, good things will happen to you Karma- if you do good things, good things will happen to you

9. Major Gods/Goddesses of Hinduism Brahma- creator of the world Brahma- creator of the world Vishnu- keeps the world the way it is Vishnu- keeps the world the way it is Siva- destroys things in the world Siva- destroys things in the world Ganesha- removes obstacles Ganesha- removes obstacles Krishna- teacher of the world Krishna- teacher of the world Lakshmi- goddess of light Lakshmi- goddess of light Surya- god of the sun Surya- god of the sun Brahma Ganesha Vishnu

10. Buddhism- Buddhism- A more simple religion that Hinduism A more simple religion that Hinduism The founder is called “Buddha”. This means “enlightened one” The founder is called “Buddha”. This means “enlightened one” If people give up wanting fame, money and possessions they will be happy If people give up wanting fame, money and possessions they will be happy Buddhism in Tibet (north of India) is led by the Dalai Lama Buddhism in Tibet (north of India) is led by the Dalai Lama

11. Questions to answer on a separate piece of paper 1. Give 3 examples of the geography of India 2. What are 2 major cities of ancient India? 3. What are 2 things the Indian people had in their houses to make life easier? 4. In your own words, what is the caste system? 5. Who is at the top of the caste system? Who is at the bottom? 6. What are 2 major religions in India? 7. What is reincarnation? 8. Name one major god or goddess of Hinduism. 9. What is Karma? 10. Who is the founder of Buddhism?