1 India: Brightest Jewel in the British Imperial Crown
2 Objectives Students will be able to describe the geography of the Indian subcontinent Students will be able to explain the clues archaeology has provided about the rise and fall of the Indus civilization. Students will be able to analyze the main characteristics of the Aryan civilization and the Vedic Age.
3 Geography of the India SubcontinentThe earliest Indian civilization developed in the Indus River Valley located in South Asia, or Indian subcontinent A subcontinent is a large landmass that juts out from a continent The Indian subcontinent is a huge peninsula extending into the Indian Ocean The countries that are located on the Indian subcontinent are, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan
4 Himalayas Indo- Gangetic or Ganges Plain Peninsula
5 Geography (continued)Tall snow-covered mountain ranges mark northern border of the subcontinent which include the Hindu Kush and Himalayas mountains which limited contact to an extent Steep passes through the Hindu Kush served as gateways to migration and invasions for thousands of year
6 Hindu-Kush Mountains of India
7 Mt. Everest
8 The Three Regions of IndiaGangetic Plains- fertile agricultural area in the north watered by the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers carry melted snow from mountains Deccan plateau- in the south-raised area of level land that juts into the Indian Ocean. Parts are arid and sparsely populated. Coastal plains- on either side of Deccan-are separated by low-lying mountain range, Eastern and Western Ghats. Rivers and heavy seasonal rains provide water for farming. Seas used for fishing and trade highways. Monsoons- seasonal winds that’s regularly blow from a certain direction for part of the year. Monsoons have shaped Indian life.
9 Gangetic Plain of India
10 Deccan Plateau
11 Early India
12 Early India 2600 BCE.- Earliest South Asian civilization developed in the Indus River Valley. (Pakistan) The Indus civilization flourished for 700 years Cities emerged in the 1920s beneath archaeological digs. Written remains found rarely on small seals Cities rivaled those of Persia Well Planned cities organized government Mohenjo- Daro- & Harappa were twin capitals
13 Indus Civilization Cities were carefully planned-laid out in organized pattern, long wide streets and large rectangular blocks. Had complex plumbing systems, baths, drains and water chutes leading into sewers beneath streets. Most people were farmers who grew wheat, barley, melons and dates. First to cultivate cotton and weave into cloth. They were polytheistic (worshipped many gods and goddesses) Veneration-special regard for cattle. Perhaps some natural disaster led to decline of Indus civilization (stop block 5 4/21
14 Aryan Civilization Develops During the Vedic AgeWaves of nomadic peoples migrate into northwestern India between 2000BCE and 1500BCE. Nomads intermarried with local people to form Aryans. Combined their cultural traditions of other nomads with those of earlier Indian peoples through acculturation, blending of two or more cultures. Most of what we know about the Aryans comes from the Vedas, a collection of hymns, chants, and other religious teachings.
15 Aryans (continued) Aryan priests memorized and recited the Vedas for 1000 years before writing down Aryans were warriors who fought in chariots with bows and arrows They loved music, chariot racing and dice games They became nomadic herders who valued cattle
16 Aryans (continued) Gradually Aryans settle in villages to farm and breed cattle Spread eastward colonizing the Ganges basin using iron tools by 800s BCE Rajahs or chiefs lead Aryan tribes
17 Aryans Structure Society(caste system)Aryans divided society into ranked groups based on occupation Brahmins or priests- were highest group. Kshatriyas or warriors-under the Brahmins Vaisyas-included herders, farmers, artisans and merchants Sudras-were people who had little or no Aryan heritage, included farmworkers, servants and laborers Dalits-or untouchables were the lowest group considered outside of caste system. Did work others wouldn’t.
18 Aryan Religious BeliefsWere polytheistic-worshipped many gods and goddesses who embodied natural forces -Indra-chief Aryan god (god of war) -Varuna-(god of order and creation) -Agni-(god of fire) Also honored monkey and snake gods Brahman-a single spiritual power which lived in all things Mystics-people who seek communion with divine forces. (Block 1 stopped, 4/21
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20 Jainism
21 Sikhism
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23 Hinduism Hinduism emerged thousands of years ago in ancient IndiaHinduism has no founder or single sacred text Grew out of the overlapping beliefs of diverse groups who settled India beginning with the Aryans Hinduism became a complex polytheistic religion of the world
24 Hinduism (continued) Believes that everything is part of the unchanging, all-powerful spirit, brahman Worship a variety of gods & goddesses -Brahma- the Creator -Vishnu-the Preserver -Shiva-the Destroyer Shakti-goddess who is both kind, cruel, creator and destroyer.
25 Hinduism (Sacred texts)The Upanishads-section of the Vedas addresses mystical questions of Hinduism The Bhagavad-Gita- revered for its representations of Hindu beliefs. Every person has essential self called atman The ultimate goal in life is achieving moksha or a union with the brahman. Must free ones self from selfish desires Reincarnation- or rebirth of the soul in another bodily form to reach moksha. (Block 4 stop 4/21)
26 Hinduism Must obey the law of karma which refers to all actions of a person’s live affecting the fate of the next All life is ranked, humans, animals, plants, objects like rocks and water. Live virtuously-good karma reborn higher Evil-bad karma reborn lower level of existence Cycle of life symbolized by the wheel Dharma-refers to the religious and moral duties of all Ahimsa-is nonviolence because of brahman or the spirit in everything.
27 Jainism Jainism developed from HinduismFounded by the teacher Mahavira, 500 BCE Emphasizes meditation, self denial and extreme form of ahimsa Jains don’t believe in killing any living thing, even insects-carry brooms
28 The Caste System Shapes IndiaCastes-social groups into which people are born and which can rarely be changed Caste was closely linked to Hinduism Higher the caste the closer to moksha therefore more spiritually pure Strict rules of purity followed between castes Untouchables- those that were so extremely impure because they dug graves, cleaned streets or turned animal hides into leather. Caste ensured stable social order
29 ARYAN CASTE SYSTEM (varna or skin color)Brahmins-(priest) Kshatriyas-(rulers & Warriors) Vaisyas-(peasants & traders) Sudras-(laborers) Dalits-became known as untouchables-(Those living outside of the caste system, butchers, gravediggers, garbage men)
30 Powerful Empires of India/The Mauryan EmpireChandragupta Maurya founded the first Indian empire in 321 BCE. Gained power in the Ganges valley then conquered all of northern India His son and grandson added much of the Deccan plateau Maurayan ruled lasted until 185 BCE Maintained order through a well organized bureaucracy. Secret police did not allow dissent-ideas that oppose those of the government.
31 The Maurayn Empire
32 Asoka Rules by Moral ExampleAsoka was the Maurayas most honored emperor, (grandson of Chandra) Abandoned war, rejected violence, converted to Buddhism and ruled by moral example Paved way for the spreading of Buddhism throughout Asia Asoka’s rule brought peace and prosperity and unity to his empire Built hospitals, Buddhist shrines, roads and rest houses for travelers. By 185 BCE, division and disunity lead to downfall of the Mauryan empire after Asoka’s death
33 Kingdoms Arise Across the DeccanDeccan divided into many kingdoms after the Maurya Empire declines Dravidians-people of the Deccan who had different languages and traditions from the those of the north Hindu, Buddhism and Sanskrit writing drifted south and blended with others The Tamil kingdoms of southern India, rulers improved harbors to support trade. Traded with Romans and China The Tamil produced rich and diverse literature
34 The Guptas Bring About a Golden Age500 years after the Maurya, the Gupta dynasty united much of India Gupta emperors organized a strong central government and promoted peace and prosperity between 320AD to about 540 Under the Guptas India enjoyed a golden age or a period of great cultural achievements
35 The Gupta Golden Age Trade and farming flourished in the harvesting of wheat, rice and sugar cane Artisans produced cotton cloth, pottery and metal-ware for local markets and trade with East Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia This prosperity contributed to a flowering in the arts and learning
36 Advances in Learning During Gupta RuleGupta artists are known for their magnificent sculpture that they carved on stone temples for the rajahs who sponsored this immense flowering of the arts This golden age encompassed painting, music, dance and literature the system of writing numbers that we use today. They are called “Arabic” numerals today because Arabs carried them from India to the Middle East and Europe. Originated the concept of zero and development the decimal system of numbers based on 10 digits
37 Gupta Advances (continues)Indian physicians used herbs and other remedies to treat illness. Surgeons were skilled in setting bones and in simple surgery to repair injuries Doctors began vaccinating people against smallpox about 1,000 years before Europe. The greatest Gupta playwright was Kalidasa and his most famous play was Shakuntala. The Gupta empire declines under the pressure of weak rulers, civil war and foreign invaders. India split into many kingdoms and would not see another great empire for almost 1000 years. Schools taught math, medicine, physics, languages, literature and other subjects
38 Muslim India-600’s & 700’s The Muslims move into IndiaBy 1000’s Indus River Valley becomes Muslim controlled 1200-Turkish Muslims conquer North India Babur & Akbar establishes new dynasty called the Mughal Dynasty- a blend of Hindu and Muslim cultures. Conflict between Hindus & Muslims lead to decline of Mughal rule and rise of Indian warlords called rajahs. (Block 1 4/23/09
39 From the Mughal Dynasty to British Rule of India
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41 British Take Over IndiaBy mid 1800s British East India Company controlled 3/5 of India British were able to conquer India by exploiting its diversity of people and cultures As Mughal power crumbled India became fragmented Indians could not unite against the British
42 Babur, Mughal Ruler
43 The British Take Over IndiaFor more than 200 years, Mughal rulers governed a powerful empire in India but empire was collapsing by the 1700s due to poor leadership Britain moves in on India, first economically then politically/British arrive in 1600’s and would dominate India for the next 200 yrs. British East India Company wins trading rights at the end of Mughal rule As Mughal empire declines the East India Company grows stronger
44 British Take Over IndiaBritish took advantage of Indian division by encouraging competition and disunity among rival princes. The British used diplomacy and superior weapons to overpower India The East India Company’s major goal was to make money Did nothing to improve Indian roads, preserve peace and reduce crime.
45 British Take Over IndiaBy early 1800s British officials introduced Western education and legal system. Missionaries tried to covert Indians to Christianity British worked to end slavery and the caste system in India Tried to improve the position of women Banned sati, a Hindu custom whereby a widow would join her husband in death by throwing herself on his funeral fire.
46 Growing Discontent:The Sepoy RebellionIn 1857, the British issued new rifles to the sepoys. (who were Indian soldiers serving in the British army) Troops were told to bite off the tips of cartridges before loading them into their rifles. Sepoys believed the cartridges were greased with animal fat-from cows, which Hindus considered sacred and from pigs which were forbidden to Muslims. When the sepoys refused to load the guns, they were imprisoned. Angry sepoys rebelled against British officers sparking a massacre of British troops as well as women and children. The British rallied and crushed the revolt. Took terrible revenge for their losses, slaughtering thousands of Indians.
47 British Imperialism in IndiaSepoy Rebellion leaves bitterness and mistrust 1858, Parliament takes direct control of India, sends more troops and taxes the Indians Parliament sets up the a system of colonial rule called the British Raj A British viceroy governed India British officials held top jobs in the Indian civil service and army but Indians filled most other jobs. The British made India the “brightest jewel” in the crown of their empire Britain made more money from India than any of her other colonies and felt it was helping India to modernize British Attempted the “Englandization” of India
48 An Unequal PartnershipBritish saw India as a source of raw materials and a market British built roads and excellent railroad network Improved transportation allowed British to sell factory- made goods across the subcontinent Carried Indian cotton, jute and coal to England Telegraph also gave Britain better control of India After the Suez Canal opened in 1869, British-India trade soared but remained an unequal partnership favoring the British
49 An Unequal PartnershipBritish flooded India with inexpensive, machine-made textiles which ruined India’s once-prosperous hand-weaving industry Britain transformed Indian agriculture by encouraging the growing of cash crops like cotton and jute for world markets Clearing new farmland led to massive deforestation in India British introduced medical improvements and new farming methods which led to population growth putting a strain on the food supply. In late 1800s terrible famines swept India
50 Benefits of British RuleBritish rule to some degree brought peace and order to the Indian countryside The British revised the legal system to promote justice for Indians regardless of class or caste Railroads, telegraph, and postal system were built by the British Upper classes benefited by sending their sons to British schools to be trained for jobs Indian princes and landowners grew rich from exporting cash crops.
51 Differing Views Upper class, educated Indians urged India to Westernize Learned English and adopted Western ways Others felt they should stick with their own Hindu or Muslim cultures In early 1800s, a great Indian scholar, Ram Mohun Roy, thought that India could learn from the West and also wanted to reform traditional Indian culture. Founded Hindu College of Calcutta which provided English-style education to Indians. Roy condemned the caste system, child marriage, sati, and purdah. Purdah is the isolation of women in separate quarters. He set up educational societies to revive pride in Indian culture. He is considered the founder of Indian nationalism.
52 Western Attitudes Some British admired Indian religions and philosophy and had a respect for India’s ancient classical heritage Most British people felt Indian culture was inferior to theirs It was said by a British historian, Thomas Macaulay, “a single shelf of a good European library is worth the whole native literature of India and Arabia”
53 Indian Nationalism GrowsClass of Western-educated Indians emerge during years of British rule By late 1800s this group led nationalist movements Pushed for democracy and equality and an end to imperial rule In 1885, the nationalist leaders organized the Indian National Congress (INC). Became known as the Congress Party Muslims created the Muslim League in 1906 out of fear that Hindus would create a Hindu dominated government
54 India Seeks Self Rule Massacre at Amritsar, April 13, 1919-Protests against British rule sparks riots and attacks on British residents living in Amritsar -General Reginald Dyer opened fire on unarmed crowd who were protesting peacefully in an enclosed field -over 400 people were killed and 1,100 injured Amritsar became turning point for Indians who were now convinced that they needed to govern themselves
55 Calls for IndependenceDuring World War I more than a million Indians served overseas British promised Indians greater self-government but didn’t honor their promise after the War The Congress Party had pressed for self-rule within the British empire like South Africa. After Amritsar Indians wanted full independence In the 1820s a new leader name Mohandas Gandhi emerged Indians across class lines