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Questions and Answers
What is the name of the warrior class in early Indian society?
What is the name of the warrior class in early Indian society?
Kshatriya
What was the name of the system of writing developed in India around 1500 BCE?
What was the name of the system of writing developed in India around 1500 BCE?
Sanskrit
What is the name of the ancient religious document from northern India written in Sanskrit?
What is the name of the ancient religious document from northern India written in Sanskrit?
Vedas
Who was the advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, who wrote the treatise on politics called the Arthasastra?
Who was the advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, who wrote the treatise on politics called the Arthasastra?
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What is the name of the first dynasty to control much of the Indian subcontinent, founded by Chandragupta Maurya?
What is the name of the first dynasty to control much of the Indian subcontinent, founded by Chandragupta Maurya?
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What is the name of the new capital of the Mauryan Empire that was established by Chandragupta Maurya?
What is the name of the new capital of the Mauryan Empire that was established by Chandragupta Maurya?
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What was the name of the ancient Indian concept that defined the individual's occupation and status in society?
What was the name of the ancient Indian concept that defined the individual's occupation and status in society?
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The caste system in ancient Indian society allowed for social mobility.
The caste system in ancient Indian society allowed for social mobility.
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What is the name of the highest caste in the ancient Indian caste system?
What is the name of the highest caste in the ancient Indian caste system?
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What were the 'Untouchables' in the ancient Indian caste system?
What were the 'Untouchables' in the ancient Indian caste system?
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What is the name of the Hindu philosophy that is found in the Upanishads?
What is the name of the Hindu philosophy that is found in the Upanishads?
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What is the term used in Hinduism to describe the sum of a person's actions, which determines their fate in future existences?
What is the term used in Hinduism to describe the sum of a person's actions, which determines their fate in future existences?
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What is the divine law of religious and moral duties in Hinduism?
What is the divine law of religious and moral duties in Hinduism?
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What is the name of the spiritual center of the universe in Hinduism?
What is the name of the spiritual center of the universe in Hinduism?
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What is the form of exercise in Hinduism that is believed to free the soul?
What is the form of exercise in Hinduism that is believed to free the soul?
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What are the two major religions that originated in India?
What are the two major religions that originated in India?
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Study Notes
Indus River Valley Civilization
- Around 2000 BCE, Indus Valley farmers abandoned their land, possibly due to disasters or nomad invasions.
- Around 1500 BCE, Aryans, pastoral nomads, migrated from Central Asia into the Indus Valley.
- Aryans gradually moved eastward across the fertile plains of the Ganges and later southward into the Deccan Plateau.
- Mixing with existing Indus Valley inhabitants, they developed a new culture.
Physical Map
- A map displays the region encompassing the Indus River Valley, including landmarks like the Himalayas, the Indian Ocean, and major rivers like the Indus and Ganges.
Writing System
- Around 1500 BCE, Sanskrit, a writing system, was developed in India.
- The Vedas, an ancient religious text, is the oldest Sanskrit text.
- Dravidian, a descendant of Sanskrit, is still spoken in southern India.
From Chieftains to Kings
- Aryan tribes were led by chieftains (rajas) advised by elders.
- Rajas' power stemmed from their ability to defend their people from rivals.
- Rajas gradually transitioned into kings (maharajas) as societies grew.
- Rulers were expected to follow Dharma, a code of conduct for all classes.
The Impact of the Greeks
- Powerful empires, including the Persian Empire, rose in the west.
- The Greeks achieved regional dominance in the late 4th century BCE under Alexander the Great.
- Alexander the Great launched an invasion of northwest India in 326 BCE.
- His conquests briefly impacted the region, then retreated.
- Greek administrators and culture left a lasting influence on the area.
The Mauryan Empire
- After Alexander's departure, Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire.
- He controlled much of northern India, establishing his capital at Pataliputra (modern Patna).
Social Structure
- The social structure emerged from a blend of Aryan pastoral traditions, indigenous agricultural practices, and tribal warfare.
- A hierarchical system, the Caste system, determined occupation, status, and social mobility based on birth.
- The 5 major Varnas (castes) in ancient Indian society were determined by birth with no social mobility.
Religion
- Indian religion combines Aryan and Dravidian elements.
- Hinduism evolved from Aryan practices and indigenous cultures.
- Hinduism centers around Brahman, a universal spirit, and deities like Vishnu and Shiva. Principles in Hinduism include Karma and Reincarnation.
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Description
Explore the key aspects of the Indus River Valley Civilization, including its historical transitions, cultural developments, and the emergence of the Aryans. Dive into the significance of their writing systems and the evolution from tribal chieftains to structured kingship in ancient India.
