Ancient India
Social
The Varna Class System separates society into four distinct classes. Varna means color,appearance, or tribe.
Brahmin is the top of the social hierarchy, made up of Priests,teachers, and preachers. Kshtriya is next in line,made up of the Kings,governors, warriors and soldiers. Vaisha is next in line, made up of cattle herders,farmers, artisans, and merchants. Shuvra is at the bottom of the social ladder, made up of labor and service personnel. |
Political
Asoka was the Indian emperor from 273 - 232 B.C of the Maurya dynasty. He was one of the greatest rulers to rule ancient India. He conquered other kingdoms and made his own empire stronger and richer. Later, he converted to Buddhism and swore that he would not fight anymore wars. Two other notable rulers from ancient India were Chandragupta I and Chandragupta Maurya.
Chandragupta I was the founder of the Gupta dynasty. He was believe to have had several alliances with powerful houses through marriges into those families. He was the Gupta Emperor from 320 - 335 B.C. Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Maurya Empire and is to believed to be the first emperor to have united India into one state he is undoubtedly one of the greatest rulers in India history known to have conquered Alexander the Greats' easternmost satrapies. |
Religion
The most popular religion in India is Hinduism. The basic beliefs of Hinduism include, a single spirit called Brahman encompasses all living things, the ultimate goal is union with Brahman, this Union is accomplished by creating good karma (actions) in reincarnation of the soul. Buddhism is another major religion in India. Buddhism was founded by Siddharthas Gautama, a wealthy prince who left his possessions to find enlightenment and the end of suffering. There are two divisions of Buddhism. Theravada Buddhists follow Buddhas teachings, but do not believe that he was a god. Mahayana Buddhists believe that worshipping the Buddha helps them follow the Eightfold Path.
The next major religion is Jainism. Jainism was founded by Mahavira, who was called the Jina. The main belief of the Jains, ahimsa, is that all life is sacred and that the followers must never take even an insects life. Like the Buddhists, they beige in the elimination desire. |
Innovations
Sanskirt is the classical language of Hinduism and the oldest, most systematic language in the world. This language has 65 different words to describe earth, 67 words for water, and over 250 words to describe rain. It is considered to be the oldest language in the world be at least 6,000 years old. Sanskirt is considered to be the language of the Gods.
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Technology
Buttons are a major part of our clothing even today. Buttons were invented in India and various historical evidences and excavations prove that buttons were used by the people belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. Shells were given various shapes and were pierced into a hole. Earlier they were used more as an embellishment but were gradually used to fasten clothes.
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Environment
India is a subcontinent whose geography consists of the Himalayas on the North, the Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra River valleys and the fertile coastlines that stretch from the east to the west. The main climate feature of India is the monsoon. Monsoons have two types. Wet, which blows in heavy winds from the southwest. It lasts from May to September. The dry monsoon blows in from October to April. They bring water to crops but they can also cause flooding.
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