Indian Geography
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List 5 MOST SIGNIFICANT geographic features in S. Asia

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Gupta Dynasty fell in 6 th
Century
–India is divided into regional powers
–Politically divided
–Not united until 16 th Century

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India is geographically divided
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North and South develop differently

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King Harsha (ruled 606 – 648 CE)
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Conflict and Chaos
– Regional leaders fight over power
– Invasions are common

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Umayyad Rule
– 8 th Century: Sind (Indus Valley)
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Muslim Traders
– Port Cities
Turkish Muslims
– Afghanistan

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Mahmud of Ghazni (1001 – 1027 CE)
– Afghanistan leader
– Invaded India, Destroyed Hindu and Buddhist
Sites
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Sultanate of Delhi (1206 – 1526)
– Capital is Delhi
– Localized Control
– Surrounded by Hindus

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More stability in the South
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Chola Kingdom (850 – 1267 CE)
– Dominant Navy
– Rich from trade
Kingdom of Vijayanagar (1300s – 1565)
– Hindu Kingdom fell to Muslims

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Agriculture
– Production increases in post classical era
– Increased Specialization
– Monsoons create a need for irrigation
Monsoons
– Spring/Summer  Wet
– Fall/Winter  Dry
Population Growth
– More Agriculture = Greater Population
– Major Trading Cities Arise (EMPORIA)

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Indian Economy
– Increased specialization  more trade
– Internal Trade
 Special Goods: Iron (Ganges), Copper (Deccan),
Salt (Coast), Pepper (South)
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Hindu Temples
– Political, Social and Educational Centers
– Used wealth for elaborate temples

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Post Classical Era
– Larger Ships/Greater Commercial Organization
 Dhows (Muslims)
 Junks (Chinese)
Trading Centers
– India’s location perfect for emporia
– Cosmopolitan Cities Developed

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India
– Produced cotton textiles
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China – Silk, Porcelain
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SE Asia – Spices, Incense, Horses
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East Africa – Gold, Ivory, Slaves

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Adaptability
– Increasing pressures
– Subcastes
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Expansion
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Order and Stability
– Consistency over time

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Merchant Communities
– Greatest acceptance
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Conversion
– Gradual
– Political positions reserved for Muslims
 Some converted to escape low castes
– 1500 – 25 Million (1/4 of Population)

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Sufis
– Traveling holy men
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Bhakti Movement
– 12 th Century – South India
– Erase religious distinctions
– Guru Kabir
Hinduism/Islam
– Compare/Contrast