Classical Civilization:
India
Agenda
Bell Ringer: How does a government system
form? How are people kept in line? What is the
purpose of a centralized authority?
2. Thesis Statements, Early River Comparison
3. Brief Lecture: Indian Civilization
4. Map Activity, Classical Civilization
5. Looking at POV, The Caste System
HW: Read Jared Diamond Article, and Chapter 2 and
3 in the text. Quiz #1 on 9/10-9/11. Jared Diamond
Response 9/11-9/14.
1.
Arrival of Aryans
 Aryans arrive circa
1250 BCE.
 There was a King within
Tribes, and he gained
power through the
ability to protect his
people. (Maharaja)
 The Hellenistic Empire
would temporarily have
dominance around 330
BCE.
Mauryan Dynasty
 Chandragupta Maurya
advised through the
Arthasastra.
 Emphasizes ends rather
than means.
 A highly centralized
government structure, large
secret police to deal with any
issues.
 He was a little paranoid…
 Division of Empire is similar
to Persia, Provinces and
Districts.
The Caste System
 Hierarchal division that
defined a person’s
occupation and status.
 Lighter skin exemplified
a higher class.
 It was a strict system
that had no movement
or interaction between
castes.
 “Untouchables” not
considered part of the
caste system.
Life in Ancient India
 The family often had
several generations
under one roof.
 Male dominated
society.
 Polygamy occurred
rarely in higher castes.
 Sati- the ritual in which
the wife throws herself
onto husbands funeral
pyre.
Trade and Economy
 Agriculture expands
throughout the empire.
 Unpredictable monsoons
make it difficult.
 Became an advanced
trading and manufacturing
area.
 Spices, perfume, textiles,
ivory.
 Mauryan Dynasty would tax
the trade sector, and
controlled sections of trade.