Download - Early Civilizations in India
Early Civilizations in IndiaCh.3 Sec.1
Geography of IndiaHimalayas –
Border India to the northHighest mountain peaks in the world
Ganges & Indus Rivers –Created two major valleys each with a major river running through it
Monsoons –Refers to seasonal wind patterns in this part of the worldFor months on end each year, heavy rain and winds hit India
Early Civilizations of India
Harappan & Mohenjo Daro -Large city-states found along the Indus RiverCities housed over 35,000 peopleShows careful planning by original peoplesHad public wells, bathroom systems w/ plumbing, home garbage disposalsWere a theocraciesBased economy on farmingTraded regularly with Sumerians, EgyptiansReasons for decline are a mystery
Arrival of the AryansAryans –
Were Indo-EuropeansDecided to migrate to N. IndiaWere a warrior-culture peoplesSettled down and took over all the native tribes
Sanskrit –Written language used by the AryansProbably adopted from the native peoplesRecorded mostly legends and religious rules and ceremonies
Arrival of the AryansVedas –
Collection of early sanskrit writingsReveals daily life and history of ancient India
Daily Life in Ancient India
Male Life in India –Were only ones educatedWere only ones who could own or inherit propertyCould only hold religious positionsPolygamy was accepted for child-bearing reasons
Female Life in India –Given away in arranged marriagesTook care of the home, had to bear many children
Daily Life in Ancient India
Suttee –Practice of wife dying along with her husbandWould throw herself onto her husband’s funeral pyre and be burnedWomen who refused were held in disgrace and shunned from society
Suttee