Transcript Early Indian Civilization

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