Classical India

Chapter 3Pg. 56-74

Geography & Formative Period

Geography Well positioned for trade Diverse landscape results in regionalism Monsoon climate

Heavy summer rains during June, July, August Dry season with almost no rain from Sept to

May Extreme impacts on agriculture

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Geography & Formative Period

Formative Periods Vedic Age (1500-1000 BCE) Epic Age (1000-600 BCE) Resulted in creation of early forms of key

cultural traits: caste system polytheistic religion

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Patterns in Classical India 1500-600BCE: Vedic & Epic Ages

600-322BCE: Regional states dominate plains

322-232BCE: Mauryan Empire Autocratic rule, Buddhist

232BCE-320CE: Regionalism reemerges (Kushans)

320-535CE: Gupta Empire Decentralized rule, Hindu

Political Institutions

Most persistent political feature of India is regionalism However, some centralization did occur

Example: Gupta promotion of Sanskrit & law code

Caste system provided local control & regulation often fulfilled by gov

Question

Even though the Maurya and Gupta empires were highly influential, Indian history largely is characterized by small regional kingdoms.

Why do you think large empires did not "take hold" in India as they did in other parts of the world?

What is unusual or significant about Indian culture in this respect?

Religion & Culture

Hinduism evolved overtime yielding remarkable complexity & diversity Forms of Worship:

Ritualistic, ceremonial worship (brahmins) Mystical search for divine essence (gurus)

Belief structure:

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Vishnu Shiva

millions of local deities

world of humans:

dharmafulfillment of life

roles karma

death

reincarnation

Brahma

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Religion & Culture

Buddhism founded by Siddartha Gautama in 536 BCE in response to Hinduism Questioned fairness of misery believing the

material world caused human suffering Adopted Hindu ideas of mysticism &

reincarnation; Rejected caste, rituals, priests

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Religion & Culture

Art & Science flourished in Indian culture Literature:

Science:

Math:

Art:

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Economy & Society

Caste system & agriculture provided basic framework of hierarchy Patriarchal but with greater emotional ties to

women & children Economy firmly subsistence agriculture

but with significant trade & manufacturing Key good = cotton textiles Merchants valued

Indian Influence

Indian Ocean was the key linkage among cultures

Trade carried Indian creativity, goods, religions from Africa & Middle East to SE Asia Buddhism, Hinduism, Art to SE Asia Buddhism, Art to China

India & China

Differences:

Similarities:

Global Connections

Indian civilization was pivotal to cultural exchange largely through Indian Ocean & Silk Road

Question

Explain how … Hinduism changed and stayed the same

between 1500 BCE and 535 CE Buddhism changed and stayed the same

between 536 BCE and 535 CE