1. Early Civilizations of India and Pakistan
Chapter 3 section 1

2. Geography of the Indian Subcontinent
Subcontinent – large landmass that juts out from a continent
Three zones: Gangetic Plain (N), dry Decan plateau (raised area of leveled land), and coastal plains

3. Monsoons Affect Climate
Monsoons – seasonal winds that may bring downpours
Welcomed for crops
Can produce deadly floods

4. Indus Civilization Rises and Falls
Earliest South Asian civilization started in present day Pakistan
Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were possibly twin capitals

5. Making a Living by Farming and Trading
Most people were farmers
Wheat, barley, melons, dates
First to cultivate and weave cotton
Merchants and traders
Cotton cloth, grain, copper, pearls, ivory

6. Indus Civilization Indus people were polytheistic
Certain animals were sacred
Buffalo and bull
Then the civilization declined
Why? Damage to local environment, flooding, earthquake…

7. Aryan Civilization Develops During the Vedic Age
Nomads flocked towards Central Asia
Nomads married locals and called themselves Aryans
Acculturation – blending of two or more cultures
Most of what we know come from Vedas – a collection of hymns, chants, and rituals

8. From Nomadic Life to Farming
Began to cultivate crops and breed cattle
Made tools out of iron
Tribes were led by rajahs
ruled with the help of elders in the tribe

9. Aryan Structure Society
Social structure was based on occupation

10. Aryan Religious Beliefs Develop
Polytheistic
Worshipped gods and goddesses who embodied natural forces
Sky, sun, storm, fire
Indra – God of war

11. Aryan Religious Beliefs Develop
Some moved towards brahman – a single spiritual power that existed beyond the many gods of the Vedas
Mystics would seek direct communion with divine forces
Through meditation and yoga