Harappan Civilization
Indus River Valley Pakistan One of world’s largest ancient civilizations Flourished between 3000 BC and 1700 BC Often called Harappan civilization
After its first discovered city Harappa was one of eight major Harappan cities
All were trade centers located along waterways
Ancient Civilizations
Aryan Civilization
Populated much of northern India around 1500BC Moved from place to place herded livestock Left two important legacies behind
Social order Sanskrit
Aryans believed in orderly society divided into varnas-or social classes
Brought the Sanskrit to this region Parent language of Hindi
Ancient Civilizations
http://www.ukindia.com/zip/zsan01.htm
Mauryan Empire
320BC ruler Chandragupta united nearly all of northern India, Afghanistan and parts of Asia
Under him trade flourished & farming improved & weights and measures were made standard
Great Emperor Asoka Helped expand empire and improve trade Spread Buddhism
After his death power struggles and invasion destroyed empire
Early Empires
Gupta Empire
300 ADs United much of northern India Trade and culture thrived Scholars made important advances in math,
medicine and astronomy Concept of zero first introduced Empire weakened by invaders By 550 India was divided once again
Early Empires
Mughal Empire
In 1500s a new group of Muslim invaders led by great warrior Babur Conquered much of Northern India 1526 Establish Mughal Empire
Babur grandson Akbar was one of India’s greatest rulers Trade flourished
Demand for Indian goods like spices and tea grew Empire grew rich from trade
Religious tolerance encouraged peace in empire Although Mughals were Muslim most Indians still practiced
Hinduism
Architecture thrived Taj Mahal
India’s most spectacular building Built during Mughal Empire
Early Empires
British Empire As early as the 1500’s Europeans had tired to control
parts of India 1600’s English presence began in India Demand of Indian goods such cotton and sugar was
high Mughal rulers granted East India Trading Company
East India Company British trading company At fist was small trading post British presence gradually grew Expanded territory and power By mid 1800’s controlled more than half of India
Early Empires
British Empire(continued)
India had become a British Colony British rule angered and frightened many
Indians 1857 Indian troops revolted, triggering violence
across India British government crushed the rebellion and
took control of India, away from East India Company
British government ruled India directly
Early Empires
1800s Indians began to question British rule Created Indian National Congress Hoped to gain more rights and opportunities Mohandas Gandhi
Important leader Non-violent protests
1947 two countries were formed Pakistan-Muslim India-Hinduism As result 10 million people rushed to cross border in fear
of religious persecution Soon after India and Pakistan gained Independence Other countries in region did too gradually
Independence