Ancient Civilizations: India
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Transcript of Ancient Civilizations: India
• On which continent is India located?
• Asia; India is a subcontinent of Asia
The Geography
The Geography• On which river did the ancient Indians settle?
• The Indus & Ganges Rivers
Mauryan Empire
• Established in 322 BC by the great Indian military leader, Chandragupta Maurya
Mauryan Empire
• Politically united North India for the first time ever
• Created a highly effective government; included tax collection & the enforcement of laws
• In 269 BC Asoka, Chandragupta’s grandson, became emperor of the Mauryan Empire
Mauryan Empire
Mauryan Empire
• After many years of violent conquest, Asoka felt remorseful
Mauryan Empire
• Converted to Buddhism & ruled by Buddha’s teaching of “peace to all beings”
• Spread Buddhism throughout India & other parts of Asia via missionaries
• Laws carved on rock pillars were placed throughout the empire
• Stressed concern for other human beings
Asoka’s Rock Edicts
Gupta Empire• After the fall of the Mauryan Empire India experienced 500 years of chaos
• Finally in AD 320 a strong leader known as Chandra Gupta rose to power in Northern India
• 320 AD to 535 AD
• India’s “Golden Age,” or the flourishing of arts & sciences
Gupta Empire
Gupta’s Golden Age
• Achievements in Mathematics:
• Principles of algebra• Infinity & Zero• Value of Pi• Arabic numerals 1, 2, 3…
Gupta’s Golden Age
• Achievements in Science:• Earth is round• Identified 7 planets• Invented medical instruments, performed operations, set bones, etc.
• The Caste System:
• System of social hierarchy within India
• 5 different castes (social classes)
1) The Caste System
Brahmins
Kshatriyas
Vaisyas
Sudras
Cast
e Sy
stem
Priests
Nobles, warriors, royalty
Merchants & skilled workers
Servants, peasants, slaves, laborers
Untouchables: Outcasts = outside caste system
Caste Purity?• Members of higher castes were considered more pure
• Untouchables were considered spiritually polluted; ignored by members of other castes
Caste Roles• Different castes were viewed as being different species
• Castes were separated from each other (location, housing, clothing, occupation, etc.)
Caste Roles
• If you were obedient to the restrictions of your caste, you would be reincarnated into a higher caste
2) Family• One was aware of his or her caste from childhood
• It was the FAMILY’S responsibility to teach children about caste, as well as their expected duties/behaviors
3) Village• Community served as the heart of Indian life
• Community needs ALWAYS came before individual wishes