HIST 1000 : INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY & CIVILIZATION KIRKHS, IIUM

1. INDIANINDIAN
CIVILIZATIONCIVILIZATION

2.  INDUS CIVILIZATION 2600 – 1900 BCINDUS CIVILIZATION 2600 – 1900 BC
 VEDIC CIVILIZATION 1500 – 500 BCVEDIC CIVILIZATION 1500 – 500 BC
 Mauryan EmpireMauryan Empire 322 – 185 BC322 – 185 BC

3. INDUS CIVILIZATIONINDUS CIVILIZATION
2600 – 1900 BC2600 – 1900 BC

4. OriginOrigin
 Centered on the Indus River Valley.Centered on the Indus River Valley.
 Also known as “Harappan Civilization” andAlso known as “Harappan Civilization” and
“Saraswati-Sindhu Civilization”.“Saraswati-Sindhu Civilization”.
 The first farming culture in South Asia –The first farming culture in South Asia –
started in the hills of Baluchistan (Mehrgarh).started in the hills of Baluchistan (Mehrgarh).
 Later migrated to the fertile Indus valley – theLater migrated to the fertile Indus valley – the
emergence of urban centers.emergence of urban centers.
 E.g. Mohenjo Daro and Harappa.E.g. Mohenjo Daro and Harappa.

6. OriginOrigin
 Over 1000 cities and settlements.Over 1000 cities and settlements.
 Covered about 500,000 sq. miles – the modernCovered about 500,000 sq. miles – the modern
day Pakistan and northwest India.day Pakistan and northwest India.
 The Indus people – their origin is unknown.The Indus people – their origin is unknown.
 But were believed to have been inspired by theBut were believed to have been inspired by the
rise of Mesopotamian civilization.rise of Mesopotamian civilization.

8. OriginOrigin
 The end of the Indus civilization – ratherThe end of the Indus civilization – rather
mysterious:mysterious:
1. Aryan’s invasion.1. Aryan’s invasion.
2. Mass killings or destruction (e.g. civil war).2. Mass killings or destruction (e.g. civil war).
3. Diseases – malaria.3. Diseases – malaria.
4. Climatic change (e.g. flooding).4. Climatic change (e.g. flooding).
 Yet, some cultural, social and religiousYet, some cultural, social and religious
elements of Indus civilization survived -elements of Indus civilization survived -
manifested in the later Indian civilization.manifested in the later Indian civilization.

9. GovernmentGovernment
 Remains a mystery.Remains a mystery.
 So far, no evidence of kings, priesthood, stateSo far, no evidence of kings, priesthood, state
armies, palaces or temples.armies, palaces or temples.
 No evidence of centralized government, cityNo evidence of centralized government, city
states or kingdoms.states or kingdoms.
 Also no evidence of slaves or forced labor.Also no evidence of slaves or forced labor.
 Instead, evidence of a vast middle classInstead, evidence of a vast middle class
society; traders and artisanssociety; traders and artisans

10. SocietySociety
 Little is known of Indus social organization.Little is known of Indus social organization.
 Agriculture and trade.Agriculture and trade.
 Middle class merchants and officials, artisans,Middle class merchants and officials, artisans,
priests, farmers and laborers.priests, farmers and laborers.
 A theory – rulers might be from merchantA theory – rulers might be from merchant
class or ritual specialist or wealthy people whoclass or ritual specialist or wealthy people who
owned large areas of land.owned large areas of land.

11. ReligionReligion
 Little is known of Indus religious beliefs.Little is known of Indus religious beliefs.
 Worshipped gods and goddesses – in the formsWorshipped gods and goddesses – in the forms
of statues and figurines.of statues and figurines.
 Associated animals with gods.Associated animals with gods.
 Contributed to later religion; Hinduism.Contributed to later religion; Hinduism.

12. Writing SystemWriting System
 Indus scripts of symbols.Indus scripts of symbols.
 Exquisitely tiny scripts and short sentencesExquisitely tiny scripts and short sentences
(normally 4 or 5 characters in length).(normally 4 or 5 characters in length).
 No meanings till now.No meanings till now.
 Some argued the Indus writing is one of non-Some argued the Indus writing is one of non-
linguistic sign system.linguistic sign system.
 Invented seals – to imprint symbols on wetInvented seals – to imprint symbols on wet
clay.clay.

13. ScienceScience
 Achieved great accuracy in measuring length,Achieved great accuracy in measuring length,
mass and time.mass and time.
 Among the first to develop a system ofAmong the first to develop a system of
uniform weights and measures – extremelyuniform weights and measures – extremely
precise.precise.
 Division – the smallest division (1.704 mm).Division – the smallest division (1.704 mm).
 Weight units – 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10,Weight units – 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10,
etc (each unit weighing 28 grams)etc (each unit weighing 28 grams)

14. ScienceScience
 Invented instruments to study tides, waves andInvented instruments to study tides, waves and
currents.currents.
 Had knowledge of medicine and dentistry.Had knowledge of medicine and dentistry.

15. TechnologyTechnology
 Invented new techniques in metallurgy –Invented new techniques in metallurgy –
produced copper, bronze, lead and tin.produced copper, bronze, lead and tin.
 Metal works – knives, razors and chisels.Metal works – knives, razors and chisels.
 Bead making, waxing method, pottery making.Bead making, waxing method, pottery making.
 Transport technology – bullock driven carts,Transport technology – bullock driven carts,
sailing bots and sea-going vessels.sailing bots and sea-going vessels.
 Engineering skills – building docks,Engineering skills – building docks,
warehouses, brick platforms and protectivewarehouses, brick platforms and protective
walls around cities.walls around cities.

16. TechnologyTechnology
 Town planning – sophisticated and advancedTown planning – sophisticated and advanced
urban culture.urban culture.
 The houses were protected from noise, odorsThe houses were protected from noise, odors
and thieves.and thieves.
 Houses – many two stories and some threeHouses – many two stories and some three
stories tall, inner courtyards.stories tall, inner courtyards.
 Streets – straight and wide ( 3 – 10 meters).Streets – straight and wide ( 3 – 10 meters).

17. TechnologyTechnology
 The world’s first urban sanitation system –The world’s first urban sanitation system –
systems of sewage and drainage, toilets,systems of sewage and drainage, toilets,
bathrooms, public baths.bathrooms, public baths.
 The drains connected each house to municipalThe drains connected each house to municipal
drains located under major streets.drains located under major streets.
 Efficient municipal authorities.Efficient municipal authorities.
 Irrigation and flood control – used fired andIrrigation and flood control – used fired and
baked bricks.baked bricks.

19. TradeTrade
 Important – contributed to the rise of the IndusImportant – contributed to the rise of the Indus
civilization.civilization.
 Facilitated by transport technology.Facilitated by transport technology.
 Extensive maritime trading network with theExtensive maritime trading network with the
Mesopotamian civilization.Mesopotamian civilization.
 Also with others – Iranians, Persian Gulf statesAlso with others – Iranians, Persian Gulf states
Afghans and southern India.Afghans and southern India.
 Food, cotton, cotton cloth, ivory, furniture,Food, cotton, cotton cloth, ivory, furniture,
copper, gold, silver, etc.copper, gold, silver, etc.

20. TradeTrade
 Also inland trade; lowlands and highlandsAlso inland trade; lowlands and highlands
trade routes.trade routes.
 Even maintained small colonies inEven maintained small colonies in
Afghanistan – near to sources of raw materials.Afghanistan – near to sources of raw materials.
 At its peak, the Indus civilization formed partAt its peak, the Indus civilization formed part
of a much wider economic world.of a much wider economic world.
 The trade routes persist till todayThe trade routes persist till today

21. VEDIC CIVILIZATIONVEDIC CIVILIZATION
1500 – 500 BC1500 – 500 BC

22. OriginOrigin
 A civilization or culture associated with theA civilization or culture associated with the
Vedas – centered in the Ganges river valley.Vedas – centered in the Ganges river valley.
 Named after the “Named after the “VedasVedas”.”.
 By the 6By the 6thth
century BC, the culture began to becentury BC, the culture began to be
transformed into classical forms of Hinduism.transformed into classical forms of Hinduism.
 1500 – 500 BC – the “Vedic period” or the1500 – 500 BC – the “Vedic period” or the
“Vedic Age”.“Vedic Age”.
 Was succeeded by the “golden age ofWas succeeded by the “golden age of
Hinduism” and classical Sanskrit literature.Hinduism” and classical Sanskrit literature.

24. OriginOrigin
 The Aryans – nomadic people originated fromThe Aryans – nomadic people originated from
northwest.northwest.
 Migrated eastward to the Ganges valley.Migrated eastward to the Ganges valley.
 An Indo-European race, spoke Indo –An Indo-European race, spoke Indo –
European language; Sanskrit.European language; Sanskrit.
 Took many basic physical, cultural andTook many basic physical, cultural and
religious elements of the Indus civilization.religious elements of the Indus civilization.
 Founded the city of Delhi.Founded the city of Delhi.

25. GovernmentGovernment
 At the beginning, the emergence of smallAt the beginning, the emergence of small
ancient Indian kingdoms.ancient Indian kingdoms.
 Later, the rise of theLater, the rise of the MahajanapadasMahajanapadas or greator great
kingdoms (e.g. Magadha Empire).kingdoms (e.g. Magadha Empire).
 TheThe rashtarashta (state) – ruled by a(state) – ruled by a rajanrajan (king).(king).
 The king also called ‘The king also called ‘gopagopa’ (protector),’ (protector),
‘‘samratsamrat’ (supreme ruler), ‘’ (supreme ruler), ‘ekarat’ekarat’ (the one(the one
ruler), ‘ruler), ‘sarvabhumi’sarvabhumi’ (ruler of all the earth) and(ruler of all the earth) and
‘‘chakravartin’chakravartin’ (protector of land).(protector of land).

26. GovernmentGovernment
 Aided byAided by purohitapurohita (chaplain)(chaplain) senanisenani (army(army
chief) andchief) and senasena (army).(army).
 EmployedEmployed spasaspasa (spies) and(spies) and dutasdutas
(messengers).(messengers).
 The state was divided intoThe state was divided into janajana (provinces),(provinces),
visvis (district) and(district) and gramagrama (village).(village).

27. SocietySociety
 Nomadic lifestyle; cattle rearing andNomadic lifestyle; cattle rearing and
agriculture.agriculture.
 Cattle and cows were held in high esteem;Cattle and cows were held in high esteem;
religion and as standard unit of barter.religion and as standard unit of barter.
 Milk – important part of the diet.Milk – important part of the diet.
 Families were patrilineal and people prayedFamilies were patrilineal and people prayed
for abundance of sons.for abundance of sons.

28. Caste SystemCaste System
 Society was strictly organized in a system ofSociety was strictly organized in a system of
caste.caste.
 Originated in the class system of the Aryans.Originated in the class system of the Aryans.
 Also to distinguish themselves from the localAlso to distinguish themselves from the local
Indians and to mark descent.Indians and to mark descent.
 The root of Hindu caste system.The root of Hindu caste system.

29. Caste systemCaste system
 Caste system is “ a hereditary class of socialCaste system is “ a hereditary class of social
equals who share the same religion, pursue aequals who share the same religion, pursue a
specific trade or occupation, and avoidspecific trade or occupation, and avoid
extensive social contact with members ofextensive social contact with members of
different castes”.different castes”.
 The four major classes:The four major classes: BrahminBrahmin,, KshatriyaKshatriya,,
VaishyaVaishya andand ShudraShudra..
 The outcasts (The outcasts (pariahpariah).).

30. Language and WritingLanguage and Writing
 The use of Vedic Sanskrit – until the 6The use of Vedic Sanskrit – until the 6thth
cent.cent.
BC.BC.
 The evolution of Vedic Sanskrit language:The evolution of Vedic Sanskrit language:
Rigveda, Mantra, Samhita, Brahmana, Sutra,Rigveda, Mantra, Samhita, Brahmana, Sutra,
Epic and Paininian SanskritEpic and Paininian Sanskrit..
 Classical Vedic Sanskrit literature. E.g:Classical Vedic Sanskrit literature. E.g:
RamayanaRamayana andand MahabharataMahabharata epics.epics.
 A collection of religious hymns and variousA collection of religious hymns and various
myths and stories.myths and stories.

31. ReligionReligion
 Vedic religious practices (Vedas) – the predecessorVedic religious practices (Vedas) – the predecessor
and root of Hinduism.and root of Hinduism.
 Four sacred Vedic religious texts.Four sacred Vedic religious texts.
 The ‘The ‘RigvedaRigveda’ the oldest Vedic religious text.’ the oldest Vedic religious text.
 TheThe rishisrishis (composers of the(composers of the RigvedaRigveda hymns) –werehymns) –were
considered divinely inspired hearers.considered divinely inspired hearers.
 Vedic rites – to help adherers to transform throughVedic rites – to help adherers to transform through
sacrifices.sacrifices.
 The mode of worship – performance of sacrifices andThe mode of worship – performance of sacrifices and
chanting of verses (hymns).chanting of verses (hymns).

32. ReligionReligion
 The priests helped the common people inThe priests helped the common people in
performing rituals.performing rituals.
 Primary gods:Primary gods: IndraIndra,, AgniAgni (fire),(fire), SomaSoma,,
VarunaVaruna (sky),(sky), SuryaSurya (sun),(sun), MitraMitra andand VayuVayu
(wind).(wind).
 Primary goddesses:Primary goddesses: UshasUshas,, PrithviPrithvi (earth),(earth),
AdithiAdithi (the mother of gods / cow) and(the mother of gods / cow) and
SaraswatiSaraswati..
 Traces of Indo-Iranian religion; the fireTraces of Indo-Iranian religion; the fire
worship.worship.

33. ReligionReligion
 Goddesses were often compared to cows andGoddesses were often compared to cows and
gods to bulls.gods to bulls.
 RigvedaRigveda prohibits cow-slaughter – led to theprohibits cow-slaughter – led to the
later practice of vegetarianism (prohibition oflater practice of vegetarianism (prohibition of
eating all animals).eating all animals).
 Also contributed to the practice of Hindu yoga.Also contributed to the practice of Hindu yoga.

34. HinduismHinduism
 Hinduism is not only religious thoughts andHinduism is not only religious thoughts and
ideas but also a social structure and customsideas but also a social structure and customs
(caste system).(caste system).
 One of the world’s oldest religion (currentlyOne of the world’s oldest religion (currently
one of the world’s large followers).one of the world’s large followers).
 Rooted in the classical Vedas.Rooted in the classical Vedas.
 The goal of Hinduism – to reachThe goal of Hinduism – to reach brahmabrahma (the(the
supreme principle of life).supreme principle of life).
 In doing so, a person has to observeIn doing so, a person has to observe dharmadharma (a(a
moral and natural law).moral and natural law).

35. HinduismHinduism
 OnceOnce BrahmaBrahma is achieved, the society andis achieved, the society and
people with live happily.people with live happily.
 The concept ofThe concept of karmakarma (actions),(actions), samsarasamsara
(reincarnation) ,(reincarnation) , mokshamoksha (salvation) and(salvation) and yogayoga..
 Powerful gods e.g. Siva, Vishnu, Kali-Ma, etc.Powerful gods e.g. Siva, Vishnu, Kali-Ma, etc.
 Gods are manifestations ofGods are manifestations of BrahmaBrahma..
 Bhagavad GitaBhagavad Gita – a famous Hindu sacred– a famous Hindu sacred
hymns and a spiritual guide (the story ofhymns and a spiritual guide (the story of
Arjuna and Krishna).Arjuna and Krishna).

36. BuddhismBuddhism
 Founded by Siddharta Gautama, known asFounded by Siddharta Gautama, known as
Buddha “the enlightened one”.Buddha “the enlightened one”.
 Followers – Buddhists.Followers – Buddhists.
 Teachings of Buddha (Buddhism) – results ofTeachings of Buddha (Buddhism) – results of
Gautama’s meditation.Gautama’s meditation.
 Human sufferings is a result of humanHuman sufferings is a result of human
weaknesses.weaknesses.
 To avoid this, man has to follow a code ofTo avoid this, man has to follow a code of
conduct / moral law.conduct / moral law.

37. BuddhismBuddhism
 The moral law – “The moral law – “The Eightfold PlanThe Eightfold Plan”.”.
 The eight steps: right viewpoint, rightThe eight steps: right viewpoint, right
aspiration, right speech, right behavior, rightaspiration, right speech, right behavior, right
occupation, right effort, right mindfulness andoccupation, right effort, right mindfulness and
right meditation.right meditation.
 If successful, one will achieveIf successful, one will achieve nirvananirvana (eternal(eternal
happiness).happiness).
 Concentrates on Buddha’s teachings and littleConcentrates on Buddha’s teachings and little
emphasis on gods.emphasis on gods.

38. BuddhismBuddhism
 Buddha denied some teachings of Hinduism;Buddha denied some teachings of Hinduism;
challenged Hindu gods and goddesses andchallenged Hindu gods and goddesses and
rejected Hindu caste system.rejected Hindu caste system.
 Yet, accepted the concept ofYet, accepted the concept of dharmadharma,, karmakarma
andand samsarasamsara. Also. Also yogayoga and meditation.and meditation.
 The split of Buddhism (after the death ofThe split of Buddhism (after the death of
Buddha):Buddha):
1.1.Theravada/Hinayana BuddhismTheravada/Hinayana Buddhism..
2.2. Mahayana BuddhismMahayana Buddhism..

39. BuddhismBuddhism
Expansion of Mahayana Buddhism between the 1st – 10th century CE.

40. JainismJainism
 Founded by Vardhamana Mahavira.Founded by Vardhamana Mahavira.
 Followers – Jains.Followers – Jains.
 He developed his own philosophy fromHe developed his own philosophy from
Hindu’s concept ofHindu’s concept of karmakarma andand samsarasamsara..
 All human beings, animals, plants, nature andAll human beings, animals, plants, nature and
everything else have living souls.everything else have living souls.
 In order to reach eternal happiness, one needsIn order to reach eternal happiness, one needs
to discard unnecessary matters/actions.to discard unnecessary matters/actions.

41. JainismJainism
 Vegetarianism – Jains believed that one cannotVegetarianism – Jains believed that one cannot
live by destroying another life. Emphasis onlive by destroying another life. Emphasis on
non-violence.non-violence.
 Jainism was never as widely held as HinduismJainism was never as widely held as Hinduism
and Buddhism, but it has been a highlyand Buddhism, but it has been a highly
influential and respectable field in Indianinfluential and respectable field in Indian
thought.thought.

42. MAURYAN EMPIREMAURYAN EMPIRE
322 – 184 BC322 – 184 BC

43. OriginOrigin
 After the invasion of Persians into India.After the invasion of Persians into India.
 Chandragupta, a ruler of a small state onChandragupta, a ruler of a small state on
Ganges valley.Ganges valley.
 Established an empire – became a king ofEstablished an empire – became a king of
India in 304 BC.India in 304 BC.
 He was the first in Indian history to governHe was the first in Indian history to govern
most of the subcontinent.most of the subcontinent.

44. OriginOrigin
 The empire stretched from Punjab andThe empire stretched from Punjab and
Himalayas in the north to almost the tip of theHimalayas in the north to almost the tip of the
subcontinent, from modern Afghanistan in thesubcontinent, from modern Afghanistan in the
west to Bengal in the east.west to Bengal in the east.

45. Mauryan Empire (320 BC)Mauryan Empire (320 BC)

46. GovernmentGovernment
 The empire divided into provinces – eachThe empire divided into provinces – each
governed by a governor.governed by a governor.
 Most coming from Chandragupta’s ownMost coming from Chandragupta’s own
family.family.
 Sent agents to the provinces to oversee theSent agents to the provinces to oversee the
working of the government.working of the government.
 Established a regular army.Established a regular army.
 His grandson, Ashoka extended the empire toHis grandson, Ashoka extended the empire to
its peak.its peak.

47. BuddhismBuddhism
 Ashoka’s reign – the spread of Buddhism.Ashoka’s reign – the spread of Buddhism.
 He became a devout Buddhist after theHe became a devout Buddhist after the
Kalinga massacre (Orissa).Kalinga massacre (Orissa).
 Used his power as a king to spread BuddhismUsed his power as a king to spread Buddhism
throughout India.throughout India.
 To protect the religion, warned BuddhistTo protect the religion, warned Buddhist
monks that he would not tolerate schismmonks that he would not tolerate schism
(divisions).(divisions).
 Peaceful and human rule.Peaceful and human rule.

48. Buddhist proselytism at the time of emperor Aśoka the Great (260–218 BCE).