Chapter 6: Early India

Section 1: India’s First Civilizations

The Land of India• India is a subcontinent because it is

separated from the rest of Asia by the Himalayas (highest mountain range in the world).

• Contains 5 Nations: India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, & Nepal.

• 2 Fertile river valleys: Ganges River & Indus River.

The Land of India• Monsoon – strong

wind that blows one direction in the winter and the opposite direction in the summer.

• Winter – cold dry air• Summer- warm wet

air

The Land of India• The 1st civilization arose near the Indus River .

3000 B.C. till 1500 B.C.• Harappa & Mohenjo-Daro were large well

planned cities in India. The cities had wells, drains for waste, garbage chutes, & organized government. Houses were made from Mud-brick.

• Most people were farmers: wheat, barley, peas, cotton. City dwellers were artisans: jewelry, pottery, tools, & cloth.

The Aryans Invade• The Aryans were hunters who also raised cattle.• Expert warriors with metal tipped spears &

wooden chariots. • Conquered all of India except the southern tip.• Invented an iron plow, and built canals to

improve farming.• Written language: Sanskrit• Tribes were led by a raja, or prince.

Society in Ancient India• Caste – a social

group that someone is born into and cannot change.

• Believed in 4 levels of society.

Society in Ancient India• Men's lives were considered more

important than women's.• In most cases only men could inherit

property. Only men could go to school or become priest.

• Parents arranged marriages, and divorce was not allowed.

Farming

Subtopics Details Details

CH. 6 Sect. 1 Objective

Organization

The Aryans Bring Change

Use the chart to show how the Aryans changed the lifestyles of the Indians.

Language

Cruse 8th Grade World History OMS 11/7/2008