Early Civilizations in IndiaCh.3 Sec.1

Geography of IndiaHimalayas –

Border India to the northHighest mountain peaks in the world

Ganges & Indus Rivers –Created two major valleys each with a major river running through it

Monsoons –Refers to seasonal wind patterns in this part of the worldFor months on end each year, heavy rain and winds hit India

Early Civilizations of India

Harappan & Mohenjo Daro -Large city-states found along the Indus RiverCities housed over 35,000 peopleShows careful planning by original peoplesHad public wells, bathroom systems w/ plumbing, home garbage disposalsWere a theocraciesBased economy on farmingTraded regularly with Sumerians, EgyptiansReasons for decline are a mystery

Arrival of the AryansAryans –

Were Indo-EuropeansDecided to migrate to N. IndiaWere a warrior-culture peoplesSettled down and took over all the native tribes

Sanskrit –Written language used by the AryansProbably adopted from the native peoplesRecorded mostly legends and religious rules and ceremonies

Arrival of the AryansVedas –

Collection of early sanskrit writingsReveals daily life and history of ancient India

Daily Life in Ancient India

Male Life in India –Were only ones educatedWere only ones who could own or inherit propertyCould only hold religious positionsPolygamy was accepted for child-bearing reasons

Female Life in India –Given away in arranged marriagesTook care of the home, had to bear many children

Daily Life in Ancient India

Suttee –Practice of wife dying along with her husbandWould throw herself onto her husband’s funeral pyre and be burnedWomen who refused were held in disgrace and shunned from society

Suttee