Ancient Indian Civilization

1
Ancient Indian Civilization

• World History
• Chapter 2
• Mr. Holguin

2
Indian Geography

• Two massive rivers flow through India The Ganges
  and The Indus.
• The climate is hot with strong monsoon seasons.

3
Early Civilization

• 2500 BC to 1500 BC-Harappan civilization.
• Cities were well planned with a citadel in the
  center.
• Evidence suggests a strong central government.

4
Indo-Aryan Migration

• 1750 BC- A group called the Indo-Aryans settled
  in India.
• They wrote Vedas and spoke Sanskirt.
• They worshipped Gods based on nature.

5
Hinduism

• Monism- God and the universe are essentially one.
• Maya- The world is merely an illusion.
• Reincarnation- After death, a soul is placed in
  another living being.

6
More Hinduism

• Dharma- Doing ones duty in life.
• Karma- Good or bad force caused by behavior.
• Nirvana- Perfect peace.
• Brahman- The Creator, Shiva- The Destroyer,
  Vishnu- The Preserver.

7
Buddhism

• Founded by Siddhartha Guatama aka Buddah.
• Noble Truths
• Human life involves suffering and sorrow.
• Pleasure and material gain causes suffering and
  sorrow.
• Renouncing materialism frees people from
  suffering.
• The eightfold path leads to nirvana.

8
Buddhism- The Eightfold Path

• 1. Right Views- See life as it really is.
• 2. Intentions- Life of good will.
• 3. Right Speech- No lies and gossip.
• 4. Right Action- Obey the law, be honest.
• 5. Right Living- Avoid harming others.
• 6. Right Effort- Prevent Evil.
• 7. Mindfulness- Awareness of the self.
• 8. Concentration- Direction through meditation.

9
Indian Empires

• Mauryan Empire- Maurya ruled over India with
  strict force.
• He built many palaces and raised massive armies.
• Asoka, Mauryas grandson, took over and became
  Buddist. He is known for cultural and political
  advancement.

10
The Gupta Rulers

• 300 AD- The Gupta family came into power.
• The Guptas ushered in a Golden Age where
  Indian society and culture flourished.

11
Indian Culture

• Under the Guptas, men practiced polygamy.
• Suttee- Widows threw themselves on their
  husbands funeral pyre.
• Both Hindus and Buddhists made elaborate temples.

12
More Culture

• Education- Nalanda University became a center for
  higher learning.
• Math- Aryabhata first to use algebra
• Medicine- Plastic surgery, bone setting, and
  inoculation.