2. Indus Valley Civilization 2,500-1,500 B.C.

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4. I.Geography of Indus Valley: A. Indian subcontinent is a large, flat, fertile plain protected by two rivers. 1. Indus River 2. Ganges River

6. B. Subcontinent: a large landmass that is separate from the rest of the continent.

7. C. What geographic features create natural barriers between India and the rest of the Asian continent? 1. 2. 3. 4.

9. D. Monsoons: seasonal winds that dominate India’s climate

10. October - May Winter winds from the northeast blow dry air across the subcontinent – little to no rainfall

12. June- September The winds shift (hopefully) and come from the southwest carrying moisture from the ocean – heavy rainfall

13. II.Religion: Polytheistic – believed in many gods and goddesses A. Early form of Hinduism which is still practiced in India today

14. 3 Main Gods: Brahma Vishnu Shiva Brahma Vishnu Shiva

15. III.Contributions: A. Most well known for their complex and well organized city building: 1. Mohenjo-Daro 2. Harappa

17. B.Laid cities in precise grid system

19. C. Citadels – fortresses placed on a hilltop for protection from invaders

20. D.Houses were made of brick and had plumbing with baths, toilets, and chutes that led out to sewer systems.

24. E. Sanskrit—system of writing

25. F. First to grow cotton and weave it into cloth

26. G. Had extensive trade networks – trading as far as Mesopotamia

27. IV.Cause for decline: 1500 B.C. – nomadic warriors called Aryans invaded and conquered a declining Indus Civilization