The document discusses the history and social structure of classical India. It describes India's diverse geography and how the Aryan migrants established a social order based on caste. The caste system divided society into four varnas - Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras - and Untouchables, with strict rules around occupation, diet, and social interaction. The system was closely tied to Hindu beliefs about spiritual duties and reincarnation. Several empires like the Mauryans and Guptas rose and fell in India over centuries, while the caste system and Hinduism remained influential social and cultural institutions.

1. Classical India AP World History

2. The Indian Subcontinent India has three topographical zones: Northern mountainous zone Indus and Ganges Basins The peninsula - divided into another four sub-regions What do you think was the political impact of this geography diversity?

3. Social System Origins Aryan migrants create social order * Hereditary, defines societal roles, occupation Varna = “color” - racial differences, castes Based upon idea that people are different, should have different roles

4. Four Varnas Brahmans / Priests - intellectual and spiritual leaders Kshatriya / Warriors and aristocrats - protectors of society Vaishyas / Merchants, farmers, artisans - skilled producers Shundras / unskilled labor Untouchables - outside of caste system

5. Characteristics Caste defined occupation, diet, social interactions, style of dress Shundras, untouchables excluded - could not read/hear Vedas Duty of monarch to maintain system Lack of individualism

6. Connections to Hinduism Indian leaders believed it to supernaturally ordained Brahmans spiritual leaders of India, advised kings, emperors Upward social mobility only through reincarnation Collected karma influences next life

7. Questions By implementing the caste system, what was accomplished? How important is its connection to Hinduism? How is this similar to China? Can you apply the caste system to high school?

8. Historical Patterns in India Culture: Caste system / Hinduism preserves social system across history Economics: Trade becomes a constant - part of Silk Roads, Indian Ocean Network, and more Politics: India goes eras of invasion and conquest by foreigners, large empires then falls into regional kingdoms

9. Mauryan Empire 324 BCE - 184 BCE Early outside influences Achaemenid province in N. India (520 BCE) - brought gov't style Alexander Invades in 327 BCE - destroyed all regional kingdomsm Kingdom of Magahad expands under Chandragupta ( video clip )

10. Ashoka Conquered most of sub-continent Encouraged trade, expanded agriculture, built roads

11. Ashoka Converted to Buddhism - spreads it around India Used Rock and Pillar Edicts to proclaim positive messages ( video clip ) Gupta declines after his death

12. Gupta Empire After Ashoka - political fragmentation Considered Golden Age of India - advances in math and astronomy Decentralized government (contrast to Mauryan, like Persia)

13. Hindu Revival - Gupta Decline of Mauryan Empire = decline of Buddhism in India Brahmans make it more appealing to common people Stressed importance of personal worship, devotion to individual gods Karma acquired by completion of caste duties / obligations

14. Hindu Revival - Gupta Supported Hinduism - restored Brahmans in gov’t Extensive building of temples Caste system reasserted / solidified into Indian culture - more rigid Expanded with new Jatis Further restrictions put on Untouchables

15. Questions Why do you think modern day India has such a difficult time eliminating the caste system to day? Some Hindu scholars argue that the caste system actually contradicts Hinduism, what is your reaction? In the end, what single factor allowed Hinduism to flourish and Buddhism decline?