Transcript File - Mr. Jackson`s Web-site

Literature of Ancient India
pp. 102-109
Why it Matters Map
• Pp. 102-3
• Indian Diversity
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82% Hindu
12% Muslim
2% Christian
2% Sikh
Other
Historical Highlights
• Indus Valley Civilization
- Most homes had indoor bathrooms and
sewer connections
- after thriving for many, many years, this
advanced civilization mysteriously declined
• Early Vedic Age
• Sanskrit – language related to English
• Late Vedic Age
• Mahabarata – epic – political, social, religious
• Ramayana – epic - (same as above)
Historical Highlights, cont.
• Rise of Buddhism and Jainism
- Buddhism founded by Siddhartha
Gautama
• Buddhism – based on ethical behavior and
nonviolence (not worshipping gods)
• Jainism – similar to Buddhism (more strict
though)
• Age of Empires – 1st time India is politically
united
People and Society
• Caste system
• Brahmans (priests) – considered purest class
• White clothes
• Kshatriyas (warriors)
• red
• Vaishyas (farmers, merchants, tradespeople
• yellow
• Shudras (servants)
• black
• Outcastes (untouchables) – considered so unclean that
touching them strip someone of his purity.
Women in Ancient India
• Male dominated
• Brides could be as young as 8
• Warriors could kidnap a bride/murder
family
• Forbidden to own property
• Wife could not displease husband, even
after his death.
Arts and Culture
• Literature – tied to religion and moral
instruction
• Epics
• Religion
• Hinduism (basically monotheistic)
• Individual evolves in a cycle of existence
(reincarnation).
• Karma – past actions determine quality of life
Arts and culture, cont.
• Buddhism –ultimate goal was Nirvana
• Nirvana (universal spirit) - enlightenment
• Reject caste system
• Jainism
• Self-denial
• Non-violence
Arts and Culture
• Arts and architecture
• Many depict Hindu gods
• Paintings lined caves where Buddhist monks
worshipped
Connect to Today (pp. 112-113)
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New Age ideas
Yoga and mediation
Chess and dice
Math and science
Nonviolence***
• Thoreau, MLK
The development of the epic
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Stories
Nature of epic
Features of epic stories (video)
Not larger than life hero
Characteristics of an epic
strategies