Geography

Climates

Classical India

Chapter 3

Hallmarks of Historic India

“India” = derived from “Indus”1. meaning ‘land of the hIndus’2. Diversity

Many social classes (5 castes divided into 100s of jati)

Source of identity, Most important social unit Many governments (Regional kingdoms more

common than unifying empires) Many gods (millions of Hindu gods, Buddhism, Jainism)

Regional Kingdoms

Hindu Gods

Vishnu

-preserver of life

Hindu Gods

Shiva

-destroyer

Hindu Gods

Ganesha

God of wisdom

Hindu Gods

Saraswati

Goddess of knowledge & the arts

Hindu Gods

Durga Goddess of

war & female creative energy

Hindu Gods

Krishna

Results of Diversity in Modern India

30 languages with over 1 million speakers

Federalist state with 28 states & 7 territories

Many religions (Hinduism = 80%, Islam = 14%,

Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism)

States

Language Families

Local Languages

Reason for Diversity?

GeographyGeography Separate

(Himalaya)

yet

Interconnected(Indian Ocean trade, Khyber Pass)

Bellringer

When you entered class today, you were reincarnated.

Using complete sentences, describe what you did yesterday to deserve your new caste.

Timeline Preview

1500-1000 BCE: Vedic Age

Vedas composed Spread of Iron tools Adoption of Sanskrit

1000-600 BCE: Epic Age

Brahman influence peaks Mahabhrata, Ramayana, & Upanisads

composed Castes solidified

563-483 BCE:

Life of Buddha & birth of Buddhism

327-325 BCE:

Alexander the Great invades India Beginning of contacts b/t Classical

societies

320-232 BCE: Maurya

Elaborate efforts to centralize power in hands of emperor

Noted ruler: Ashoka Largest territory Bureaucracy overseen by officials directly

appointed by & reporting to emperor Efforts at standardization in justice,

punishment, pay scales Built road system – tree lined, distance

markers

200 BCE – 220 CE:

Regionalism: era b/t Indian Empires Central Asian influence (Kushans)

Age of Paradoxes Intrusion of outside cultures – Greeks & Central

Asian nomads Trade & Art flourishes

Merchant patrons instead of rulers Spread of Indian culture

export of Buddhism along Silk Road, Hinduism to SE Asia

220 – 320:

political instability

320 – 535: Gupta

Golden Age – but not in policy rather in art, science, & manufacturing

Government – decentralized Feudal–like (local authority, loyalty via

relationships) “King among Kings”

Trade prospers

Bellringer

When you entered class today, you were reincarnated.

Using complete sentences, describe what you did yesterday to deserve your new caste.

Hinduism & Buddhism

Questions: 1. What do you already know about

Hinduism?2. List the kinds qualities that

“good” people can possess.

For example: Strength, etc.

Religion & Culture - Hinduism

No single founder Evolved overtime yielding remarkable

complexity & diversity

330 million different gods, yet monotheistic

Interconnection with caste

Vishnu Shiva

millions of local deities

world of humans:

dharmafulfillment of life

roles karma

death

reincarnation

Brahma

2 of 4

Religion & Culture - Buddhism

Founded by Siddhartha Gautama in 536 BCE in response to Hinduism Questioned fairness of misery believing the

material world caused human suffering Adopted Hindu ideas of mysticism &

reincarnation; Rejected caste, rituals, priests

Buddhism

Four Noble Truths

All life is suffering; Suffering is caused by desire; There can be an end to desire; Follow the eightfold path

Buddhism

Eightfold Path Right understanding Right resolve Right speech Right action Right livelihood Right effort Right contemplation Right meditation

Sanchi Stupa, built by Emperor Ashoka

Review Suffering is caused by desire Caste system Society is like a family Harsh rewards & punishments Looks to tradition to solve

problems Advocated Buddhism Focused on practical

technologies Indian empires in chronological

order

Brisk internal trade, more isolated internationally

Advocated Hinduism Reincarnation Short lived empire Ruled through regional

alliances Cultural golden age Stressed duty & social role Chinese dynasties in

chronological order