The Plan …

1. The Plan… • New Today: • India’s Early Developments (P343-346)

2. India, where it all began… • Earliest cities on the subcontinent were built in the Indus River Valley (2500-1500 BCE) • Two of the main cities were Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro • Mohenjo-Daro = mound of the dead (from chicken fights to egg layers) • Archaeologists did not discover the ruins of these ancient ruins until 1921 • Cities were built of brick, and were hometo large civilizations • Large civilizations inhabited these regionsdue to their fertile soil and irrigationwater • Indus people were responsible for the building of streets, roads, public baths, shopsand private homes

3. The end of the Indus: 1500 BCE • Following the invasion of a warlike people from west-central Asia – known as the Aryans – the Indus population ceased to exist • The Aryans not only ventured into India, but also continued on into Europe as well; the Aryans almost completely replaced the original inhabitants of these lands • Those in Northern India who did not relocate to the south were assimilated by the Aryans…

4. Aryans, who were they? • The Aryans were a fair-skinned and tall people. They lived primarily as ‘herders’ • Living most of their life as nomads, and devotingmuch of their energy to fighting wars with othernon-Aryan people • Aryans used chariots and had many skilledarchers at their disposal for this war basedattitude. • Aryans followed the caste system – this was done to establish order within their society • Used both to ensure a successful military and agriculture sector, but also to take control over those who they conquered. • Remember: a lot of India’s characteristics today were established by other groups and passed on through the generations…

5. Aryan Traditions • Establishing castes came with a need to maintain a written record of life events • Four original castes: • Brahman (priest) • Kshatriya (warrior) • Vaishya (commoner) • Sudra (slave or non-Aryan) • The traditions of these societies were recorded in the Vedas, that being a book of hymns. • “From the dead hand I take the bow he wielded. To gain us dominion, might, and glory…” • Hymn emphasizing the importance of war to the Aryans

6. Others who ruled India… • Following the arrival of the Aryans to India, the makeup of India was made of many rival kingdoms • These groups spoke different languages and followed different religions; they were rooted in both Aryan and Dravidian traditions • Following the short rule of Alexander the Great in the north (330-323 BCE), a new ruler Chandragupta came to power • Once in power, he attacked and subdued all of NorthernIndia, establishing the Maurya Dynasty, known as one of the most powerful and important empires of the ancient world • He resigned power for religious reasons, and then eventuallystarved himself to death…

7. Chandragupta’s Grandson • Regarded as greatest of the Maurya leaders, Ashoka was in power from 273-232 BCE; he was a very interesting individual • Under his rule nearly all of India was brought together as one large empire • During one military campaign, one with lots of killing and bloodshed, Ashoka changed his attitude • Converted to Buddhism (rooted in peace) • Killing was wrong • Decided to make life better for his empire • Encouraged the spread of Buddhism