Foundations through The Classical Era: From Human Prehistory to Civilizations
Name______________________________________
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AP World History Ch 3 Reading Study Guide #1 P. 56-64
1. How did the Aryan invasions set the stage for new forms of Indian civilization? Extended agricultural
practices, writing of literary epics in Sanskrit, encouraged tight levels of village organization, regulated
property relationships within the family, beginning of caste system, polytheistic religion.
2. How did India differ from China in its development? Political development was less predictable than
the Chinese because they were so prone to invasion and influence from other cultures.
3. How did geography impact the development of Indian civilization? Subcontinent protected by the
Himalayas, but can still connect via passages; agricultural region by rivers, herding in mountains,
seafaring and trade along coast; monsoons needed for agriculture.
4. Describe the impact and importance of the monsoon season Monsoons vary from year to year and can
cause flooding or drought depending on amount of rain. It often allowed them to produce more food,
which led to a large population, but also led to starvation.
5. How did Aryan beliefs evolve into current religious beliefs in India? Their epic stories and poems
became the foundation for Hinduism and they brought the belief of polytheism.
6. What were the Vedas? Why are they important? Sacred books that captured the stories of the Aryans
which are important because this is how we know about the period.
7. What were the roots of India’s caste system (varnas)? It began as a way to establish relationships
between Aryan conquerors and the native population. Varnas were Aryan social classes that enforced
divisions in society. This would later evolve into the caste system.
8. Describe the political climate of India’s regional state period. India was very diverse and, in general,
experienced more regional influence. Early rulers depended on their armies, and while they had aspects
of centralization (tax system) they did typically create a large bureaucracy.
9. What were the major accomplishments of the Maurya Dynasty? They successfully established a
bureaucracy, postal system, law code (Rock Edicts), and expansion through conquest.
10. How were the Gupta rulers different than the Mauryan rulers? Claimed they had been appointed by
Hindu gods, create taxation system, did not create an extensive bureaucracy, locals had autonomy as long
as they respected the overall authority of the Guptas, personal representative at each ruler’s court.
11. How were politics in India viewed differently than politics in China, Greece and Rome and what
served in place of political structures in India? It wasn’t as elaborate and political service wasn’t seen as
important. In place of political structures, India had local units of government (tightly organized villages)
and the caste system.
Foundations through The Classical Era: From Human Prehistory to Civilizations