1. The Indian Subcontinent
The Aryans and the Vedic Age

2. Decline of the Indus Valley Civilization
Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were the largest cities
Civilizations participated in long-distance trade
Possible causes for their Decline:
Monsoons destroyed irrigation and farming prospects
Invasions
Long distance trade collapsed

3. Aryans Root of the word is arya meaning “noble” or “pure”
Spoke an early form of Sanskrit
Where did they come from?
Theory One: Aryans descended from North India through the Hindu Kush.
Theory 2: they arrived much earlier, and perhaps descended from the Harappans.
Theory 3: they were the originals inhabitants of India

4. Aryans and the Vedas The Vedas Rig Veda
A collection, in multiple volumes, of hymns, rituals, and philosophies
The Vedas include stories that attempt to explain how the world was created, who the gods are, etc.
Thought to be the earliest written texts
Rig Veda
The earliest Veda
Originally was recited orally and passed down generation to generation
Children began learning the Rig Veda at an early age, would learn to chant each syllable in perfect order

5. Importance of Aryans: Introduction of a Social Order
Each tribe was headed by a raja, or chief
Priests were next in importance
They learned complicated rituals
Rituals typically focused on honoring or appeasing the gods
Warrior class
Farmers
Non-Aryans made up the lowest class
They were not slaves
They were only allowed to perform the most menial tasks

7. Caste System
The system of dividing society into hereditary groups that limited interaction with each other, especially marriage between castes
The hierarchical groups (classes) into which Indian society was divided is called a varna
Brahmins (priests)
Kshatriyas (warriors and officials)
Vaishyas (merchants and artisans)
Sudras (peasants and laborers)
Dalits (untouchables) outside the caste system

8. Caste System Brahmins Untouchables
Aryan priests who supported the growth of royal power
The only caste that was permitted to perform important, sacred, daily religious rituals
Untouchables
Were not permitted to participate in or be near religious rituals
It is believed that people ended up in this caste as a result of bad karma that accumulated in previous lifetimes
Perform(ed) the most menial jobs
Most powerful, they’re the only ones that can perform these rituals.

9. The Beginning of Hinduism

10. Brahmanism
Brahmins memorized Vedas and passed traditions down from generation to generation
The religion of the Vedic Age is called Brahmanism
Brahmins studied the Vedas and were the only ones that performed rituals

11. Beginnings of Hinduism
Indians beliefs began to change
Gurus were thinkers and teachers that left their homes and went into the forest to meditate about life and its big questions:
Ex. Why are we born?
Ex. How should we live?
Their ideas were put into writing (Upanishads)
Vedas and Upanishads became Hinduism’s holy scriptures

12. Epic Poems explained how people should lead their lives as Hindus
Ramayana
Mahabharata
Moral lessons about right and wrong
Importance of loyalty and respect
200,000 lines long
Two families at war for control of kingdom
Moral Issues
Bhagavad-Gita:(“Song of the Lord”) is a sacred section of this poem.

13. Beliefs of Hinduism Reincarnation
The rebirth of the soul in a new body
Karma
Effects of a person’s actions in this and in previous lives
Determines how a person is reborn
Bad karma brings rebirth into a lower caste or as an animal

14. Beliefs of Hinduism
There is one supreme cosmic consciousness, spiritual force, or God called Brahman
All of the Gods and Goddesses are a form of Brahman
Ex. Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti
Brahman is the source of all things
Every person is born with a soul
The soul is also a form of Brahman

15. Hinduism: 4 Basic Goals in Life
Dharma
A person’s duty or what is right and wrong for them.
Your caste’s duties
Ahimsa: avoid doing harm to any living being
Strive for Well Being
Make a good living with dignity
Raise a family
Run an honest business
Pleasure
Physical Pleasures
Ex. Eating good food
Cannot be only goal we seek
Moksha
Liberation from reincarnation
Person’s souls becomes one with Brahman
Live forever in state of joy

16. 3 Paths to Moksha 1st Path: Way of Knowledge Brahmins
True understanding of one’s soul
2nd Path: Way of Works
Carrying out religious rituals and duties
Good deeds without expectations
3rd Path: Way of Devotion
Path of love
Worship of Gods and goddesses
Offerings to the Gods