Early Civilizations of India and Pakistan
Chapter 3 section 1
Geography of the Indian Subcontinent
• Subcontinent – large landmass that juts out from a continent
• Three zones: Gangetic Plain (N), dry Decan plateau (raised area of leveled land), and coastal plains
Monsoons Affect Climate
• Monsoons – seasonal winds that may bring downpours– Welcomed for crops– Can produce deadly floods
Indus Civilization Rises and Falls
• Earliest South Asian civilization started in present day Pakistan
• Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were possibly twin capitals
Making a Living by Farming and Trading
• Most people were farmers– Wheat, barley, melons, dates– First to cultivate and weave cotton
• Merchants and traders– Cotton cloth, grain, copper, pearls, ivory
Indus Civilization
• Indus people were polytheistic• Certain animals were sacred
– Buffalo and bull
• Then the civilization declined• Why? Damage to local environment,
flooding, earthquake…
Aryan Civilization Develops During the Vedic Age
• Nomads flocked towards Central Asia
• Nomads married locals and called themselves Aryans
• Acculturation – blending of two or more cultures
• Most of what we know come from Vedas – a collection of hymns, chants, and rituals
From Nomadic Life to Farming
• Began to cultivate crops and breed cattle
• Made tools out of iron
• Tribes were led by rajahs – ruled with the help of elders in the tribe
Aryan Structure Society
• Social structure was based on occupation
Aryan Religious Beliefs Develop
• Polytheistic
• Worshipped gods and goddesses who embodied natural forces– Sky, sun, storm, fire
• Indra – God of war
Aryan Religious Beliefs Develop
• Some moved towards brahman – a single spiritual power that existed beyond the many gods of the Vedas
• Mystics would seek direct communion with divine forces– Through meditation and yoga