1. Indus River Valley

2. Government Harappan Civilzation: Large Cities Examples: Harappa and Mohenjo Daro These cities were well planned, but no one is sure exactly what type of government they used. Aryan Invasion: Small Villages Small communities based on family ties. Aryan villages were governed by a raja. Villagers farmed some of the land for the raja.

3. Hinduism Hindus believe in many gods, but particularly 3 major gods: Brahma the Creator Siva the Destroyer Vishnu the Preserver Each god is part of a single universal spirit called Brahman. A person’s ultimate goal is to reunite his/her soul with Brahman. To reach this goal, people are reincarnated (reborn into a new body). A person’s new body depends on their karma (effects that good or bad actions have on a person’s soul).

4. Buddhism Buddhism was a result of one man’s dissatisfaction with the Hindu religion. Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) found enlightenment after much travel, fasting, and meditation. Buddha’s teachings were based on the Four Noble Truths. Nirvana- people can overcome desire and ignorance and reach this state of perfect peace.

5. The Caste System The caste system is made up of FOUR major divisions. Brahmins (priests) Kshatriyas (rulers or warriors) Vaisyas (farmers, craftspeople, traders) Sudras (laborers, non-Aryans) People were divided into caste by birth, wealth, and occupation. People generally could NOT change their caste.

6. Written Language/Achievements Sanskrit-the most important language of ancient India Art: temples, paintings, sculptures Sanskrit literature (religious epics, plays, poetry) Metalworking Mathematics (invention of the number “zero”)