Chapter 7, Sections 3.Chapter 8, Section 1.

Early Civilizations of India

And

Religious Traditions

Indus Valley Civilization

• Largest early civilization in South Asia. Sprung up along Indus River. Lasted from 2500-1500BC.

Aryans

• Spread across the Northern Plains from the Caucasus Mountains. Brought the Vedas and developed Sanskrit.

Aryan Varna (Social Classes)

• Brahmans (priests)• Kshatriyas

(warriors)• Vaisyas

(landowners, merchants, herders)

• Sudras (servants and peasants)

Sacred Hindu Texts

Vedas contain eternal truth revealed to wise men. Upanishads explain the Vedas.

Brahman

Thousands of Hindu gods form a single supreme force called Brahman. Only a few can understand

as it is nameless, formless, and unlimited.

Three main gods of Hinduism are Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver),

and Shiva/Siva (destroyer).

The Caste System

• Each caste has separate dharma (duties and obligations). People will improve caste in next life by following dharma.

The cycle of death and rebirth (reincarnation) occurs until individual unites with Brahman.

Every deed in this life affects future lives (karma). The present situation is a result of

past deeds. Good deeds bring happiness and bad deeds bring sorrow.

Siddhartha Gautama

Reformer born into Nepal in 560BC. Born high-caste, he saw people of lower castes suffering. He set out to find the cause of misery and enlightenment, and started Buddhism.

Buddha’s four noble truths.

1. Suffering is universal.

2. Cause of suffering is desire.

3. Only way to end suffering is to crush desire.

4. End desire by following the Noble Eightfold Path.