Early Indian Civilization

1. Early Indian Civilization • The Indus and the Ganges rivers were the two main bodies of water which influenced early Indian civilization. • India’s first civilization grew up in the Indus River Valley. • In an Indian household, the head of the family was the father. • In an Hindus society, the purpose of caste rules was to ensure spiritual unity.*

2. Indian Caste System • According to Hindu beliefs, a persons social status could be changed by reincarnation. • Both Hindus and Buddhists believe in nonviolence. • The highest class in Aryan society were the Brahmins. • The Aryans divided people into classes by occupation.*

3. More Indian Society Facts • Well-planned cities suggested that the Indus valley cities had a well-organized government. • The Vedas tell us about the life of the Aryans. • The lowest class in Aryan society was the Sudras.*

4. Early Chinese Civilizations • Confucius taught the Chinese people that their most important duty was respect for parents. • The Mandate of Heaven is the idea responsible for the dynastic cycle. • The Huang He was nicknamed the “River of Sorrows” because it often flooded and destroyed crops. • Because of its geographical isolation, China developed a unique civilization.*

5. Chinese Contributions • The Chinese system of writing was difficult to learn because it used thousands of characters. • A novel Chinese contribution was the invention of silkmaking. • The trade route which linked China with the West became known as the Silk Road. • The Chinese invented the rudder to steer sea going vessels.*

6. Important Indian and Chinese Definitions Clan- a group of families who claim a common ancestor. Feudalism- system of government in which local lords govern their own land, but owe loyalty to the ruler. Monsoon- a seasonal wind. Rajah- An Aryan tribal chief.*

7. Indian and Chinese Terms Subcontinent- a large land mass that juts out from the continent. Brahman- a single spiritual power that resides in all things. Calligraphy- an artistic form of handwriting. Dynastic cycle- the rise and fall of dynasties. Ideograph- a sign that expresses a thought or idea.*

8. More Chinese and Indian Terms Filial piety- respect for parents. Patriarchal- headed by the father or oldest male. Reincarnation- rebirth of the soul in another bodily form. Karma- the actions of a person’s life that affect his/her fate in the next life. Nirvana- the final goal in Buddhism – union with the universe and release form the cycle of rebirth.*

9. Just about done with India and China Vishnu- Hindu god known as the “preserver”. Brahma- Hindu god known as the “creator”. Confucius- philosopher whose ideas shaped Chinese civilization. Siddhartha Gautama- founder of Buddhism. Shi Huangdi- harsh ruler who called for the construction of the Great Wall.*

10. Last but not least… Legalism- the way to achieve order was through strict laws and harsh punishment. Confucianism- “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Daoism- rejected the world of conflict, emphasizing the virtue of yielding.***

11. All Done!!!