Classical Civilization: India

Chapter

AP* Sixth Edition

World CivilizationsThe Global Experience

World CivilizationsThe Global Experience

Copyright ©2011, ©2007, ©2004 by Pearson Education, Inc.All rights reserved.

World Civilizations: The Global Experience, AP* Sixth EditionStearns • Adas • Schwartz • Gilbert

Classical Civilization: Classical Civilization: IndiaIndia

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Classical Civilization: India

I. The Framework for Indian History: Geography and a Formative Period

II. Patterns in Classical India

III. Political Institutions

IV. Religion and Culture

V. Economy and Society

VI. Indian Influence and Comparative Features



The Framework for Indian History: Geography and a Formative Period

Period of Aryan Incursions–Buddhists and brahmans shape society–Gupta dynasty emerges–Peak of artistic, intellectual achievement–Distinct from Chinese developments



Formative influences– Geography

Open to influences from the Middle East• Alexander the Great

Himalayas• Isolating, but passable• Mountainous northern areas• Deccan

Semitropical climate• Monsoon rains




The Great Epics–Aryans

Indo-European pastoralists Into Asia Minor, Europe, Iran from 2000s B.C.E.

–Sanskrit epics of the Vedic Age Rig-Veda• 1028 hymns

–Epic Age, 1000-600 B.C.E. Mahabharata, Ramayana The Upanishads




Society and Religion in the Vedic and Epic Ages

(1500-1000 and 1000-600 B.C.E.)–Caste system

Varnas• Warriors, brahmans, traders and farmers, laborers• Untouchables added later• Brahmans replace warriors at the top during the Epic Age

–Religion elaborated Upanishads record developments




Patterns in Classical India

End of formative era, c.600 B.C.E.– From c. 600 to c. 300 B.C.E. plains divided

among rulers

– Sixteen major states

– 327 B.C.E., Alexander the Great




The Mauryan Dynasty– Chandragupta Maurya, 322 B.C.E.

Autocratic rule

– Ashoka (269-232 B.C.E.) Grandson of Chandragupta Conversion to Buddhism• Becomes pacific, vegetarian• Infrastructure: roads, hospitals, inns

Opposed by Brahmins

– Kushans follow end of Mauryan rule



India at the Time of Ashoka




The Guptas– Collapse of Kushan state by 220 C.E.

Autocratic rule

– Guptas From 320 C.E. Long period of stable rule Overthrown by Huns in 535 C.E.



The Gupta Empire



Political Institutions

Consistent tradition of regionalism– Attempts to hold large areas

Mauryan rulers rely on armies Guptas create taxation system, claim divine sanction

– In general simple political culture Kautilya is an exception• Chandragupta’s chief minister• Treatise on politics



Political Institutions

Social organization– Caste system becomes more rigid– Yet social mobility existed– Rulers could rise from lower castes– No slavery



Religion and Culture

Hinduism–Origins in Vedic and Epic Eras–No single founder, develops gradually–Fluid, adaptable–Brahmans

Develop abstract aspects of gods Upanishads Tension between ritual and spirituality Brahmans versus gurus




Hinduism (cont’d)–Brahma – holy essence–Different paths for a good life

Yoga Brahmans’ ritual Personal devotion

–Dharma Moral law Not prescriptive



Buddhism–Siddhartha Gautama, born c. 563 B.C.E.

Takes to wandering life, asceticism

–Four Noble Truths–Escape suffering by renouncing worldly things

Achievement of nirvana

–Spread through work of monks Conversion of Ashoka Opposed by brahmans





Arts and Sciences–Literature

Strong traditions of storytelling Drama

–University center under Guptas Some borrowing from Greeks

–Aryabhatta




Arts and Sciences (cont’d)–Mathematics

Originated “Arabic” system, including zero Negative numbers, square roots

–Architecture – stupas–Lively murals



Economy and Society

Society–Caste system influences many aspects of life–Status of women diminishes–Yet, stress on loving relationships–Children indulged in early years



Economy–Strong manufacturing

Textiles Steel Guilds, selling from shops

–Trade Greater status than in China Trade with East Asia, Middle East, Roman Empire,

Southeast Asia

Economy and Society



Indian Influence and Comparative Features

Influence–Indian Ocean a hub for contacts–Buddhism carried to China–Influence on Greeks and Romans



Indian Influence and Comparative Features

China and India Compared–Chinese restraint versus Indian sensuality–Sciences

Chinese prefer the practical Indians interested in mathematics

–Popular worldviews Hindu peasants had more local control Indian merchants more important



Global Connections:India and the Wider World

Open to influence–Buddhism, spread both east and west– India especially influential in southeast Asia–Most open among classical civilizations



Eurasian and African Trading Goods and Routes

Classical Civilization: India

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