Classical India AP World History

India - less focus on politics, greater contact with other societies, political traditions

Large States ruled by kings controlled much of the farmland. The Nomadic Aryans laid the foundations for Indian Cultures.

priests- dominant forces

creator of a major Indian and Asian religion, born in 6th century B.C.E. as a son of a local ruler among Aryan Tribes near the Himalayas.

late 4th century C.E.; nomadic invasions, large empire, short lived

early 4th century C.E., north India

Hinduism, The Brahmans were seen as high priests and political advisers.

India was focused on religion and social structures that would help a Hindu way of Life. China- focused on a way of life that would help a Confucianist's way of life, politics. India had a less cohesive and less important political culture. Both used agriculture to support themselves. Both had a patriarchy in the family. Both built great cities.

made it possible for India to come in contact with Hellenistic culture. New artistic styles and political styles.

linked India to other civilizations in the Middle East.

Location- India was more open to the influences of the Middle East.

1500 to 1000 B.C.E. Indian agriculture extended from the Indus to Ganges river valley. The Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, were composed.

Indo European nomadic pastoralists who replaced Harappan civilization -militarized societies Aryans brought distinctive religious ideas to India.

Sanskrit is the sacred and classical Indian language. Written by the Aryans became the first literary language. The Vedas were Aryan hymns written down in sacred books for from the 6th century B.C.E.

Rig Veda- the first epic, consisted of 1028 hymns dedicated to the gods- composed by priests. Upanishads- epic poems with a mystical religious flavor

Top: Governing and warriors- Kshatriyas Next: Priestly Class- brahmans Then: Vaisyas- traders Next: Sudras- common laborers Finally: untouchables- bad jobs Indian caste system enforced rules about social behavior.

Gods that resembled Greek or Scandinavian Human sacrifice Polytheistic gods with human qualities, fire, sun, death, animals

Founder of the first empire the Maurya Dynasty- borrowed ideas from Persians. Young soldier who seized power along the Ganges. Had large armies and a post office,

Autocratic- relied on personal power.

Grandson of Chandragupta, converted to Buddhism, Brought Buddhism to India, Extended Empire by killing Helped form better trade and community.

Buddhism; believed in the Law of Moral Consequences- the dharma sponsored shrines

The Empire fell into regional kingdoms. The Kushans were invaders from Africa who invaded Central India.

320C.E.- 535 C.E.

The Gupta preferred to negotiate with local princes and intermarry within their families, which expanded influence without constant fighting. Gupta had a larger territory.

Regionalism and Importance of local units

created a demanding taxation system, Sanskrit, uniform law codes, road building, art, literature, regionalism, caste system, no bureaucracy, no single language imposed, universities

Enforced rules about social behavior- no intermingling

Has no single founder, no central holy figure, encouraged political and economic gain, under brahman leadership, Vishnu-the preserver and Shiva-the destroyer, The gurus were mystics. Stressed the principle of reincarnation. All living creatures participate in divine living essence, do not eat beef ,Brahma- basic holy essence moral code of Dharma, Dharma stresses inner study and meditation Each person must meet the obligations of life: 1. serve family 2. earn money 3. serve in army 4. produce children. Provided roles in everyday life, defined good and evil, gave hope, followed caste system

Buddha- Enlightened One- man who started the religion Buddhism accepts Hindu beliefs such as incarnation. Did not believe in the caste system. They believed in Nirvana- full union with a divine essence- world beyond existence- state of enlightenment, stressed self control, Did not belief in the spiritual value of priests- all could achieve a spiritual life- monks in monasteries- A manual of the law of love, the Kamasutra written in 4th century c.e., relationships

Buddhism denied the validity of the caste and priests

both believed in the afterlife, both helped to justify and preserve social inequality, both followed the social system

colorful influenced by styles of other cultures human figures linked to religious believes

one of the first university centers- attracted people from all over Asia

shrines and statues honoring Buddha

pleasant villages- little contact with the higher social classes

wife worshiped husband like a god. There were arranged marriages- ensure economic links- dowry wife was husband's truest friend family life-hierarchy

Chinese women could gain power from sons India- women were seen as clever and strong willed. They were celebrated and seen as goddesses

Middle East, China, Southeast Asia, Central Asia

India was more open to the other civilizations around them and would trade with them. India- stronger rule to merchants

India was more open to trade. China was more isolated

Both had a polytheistic religion Both showed a tolerance for different religions

Indian peasants were less constrained than were the Chinese by recurrent efforts by large landlords to gain control of their land. Indian merchants played a greater role than Chinese merchants. India had a more mixed culture. India sponsored greater social spontaneity

Chinese class created by the marital linkage of the local land- holding aristocracy with the office-holding Shi