South Asia (2500 BC - 600 AD)
A. Planned Cities on the Indus: Chapter 2, Section 3
B. The Indo-Europeans: Chapter 3, Section 1
C. Hinduism and Buddhism Develop: Chapter 3, Section 2
D. India's First Empires: Chapter 7, Section 1
E. Trade Spreads Indian Religions and Culture: Chapter 7, Section 2
Unit 1: Essential Questions
1. Describe the Indus River Valley and the empires that developed in the region.
This question is fairly straightforward in that it asks little more than a summary of Chapter 2, Section 3 (pp. 44 – 49). However, the answer needs to be well structured to ensure that you address all the important points, and don't just ramble along.
Start out by briefly describing the geography, climate and environment of the area, focusing on how this made the establishing of an entire civilization consisting of many cities possible. Your answer should explain the importance of the two rivers, the Indus and the Ganges, the role of the monsoons and also the fact that the mountains in the area provided a natural barrier against enemies.
The second major aspect that should be covered is the actual cities that represented the Harappan civilization, and the fact that these cities did not happen haphazardly, but were actually carefully planned. Remember to explain how we know this.
The third and final part of your answer should provide a brief description of the actual evidence of civilization – evidence of a strong, centralized and organized government, economic activity such as trading with neighboring groups, religious practices and cultural achievements.
This question is fairly straightforward in that it asks little more than a summary of Chapter 2, Section 3 (pp. 44 – 49). However, the answer needs to be well structured to ensure that you address all the important points, and don't just ramble along.
Start out by briefly describing the geography, climate and environment of the area, focusing on how this made the establishing of an entire civilization consisting of many cities possible. Your answer should explain the importance of the two rivers, the Indus and the Ganges, the role of the monsoons and also the fact that the mountains in the area provided a natural barrier against enemies.
The second major aspect that should be covered is the actual cities that represented the Harappan civilization, and the fact that these cities did not happen haphazardly, but were actually carefully planned. Remember to explain how we know this.
The third and final part of your answer should provide a brief description of the actual evidence of civilization – evidence of a strong, centralized and organized government, economic activity such as trading with neighboring groups, religious practices and cultural achievements.
2. Summarize the Aryan Invasion of India and the effect it had on the Indian culture.
Half the people in the world speak a language that stems from the original Indo-European languages, but who were these people that we refer to as Aryans? Some believe that they were nomadic people who came from somewhere between the Aral and Caspian seas, but others believe that the Aryans originated from India. Although they did not leave many archaeological records, their sacred literature, the Vedas, did leave us with some understanding of their lives. This essential question requires you to read through the relevant section in the textbook (pp. 61 – 65), and explain how they influenced the Indian culture as we know it today. One of the more important legacies of the Aryan people is the caste-system, so make sure that you explain this concept and describe how it still affects life in India even today. Ultimately the Vedic system led to the development of two religious systems, Hinduism and Buddhism, which is significant because about 20% of the world's population practice one of these religions.
Half the people in the world speak a language that stems from the original Indo-European languages, but who were these people that we refer to as Aryans? Some believe that they were nomadic people who came from somewhere between the Aral and Caspian seas, but others believe that the Aryans originated from India. Although they did not leave many archaeological records, their sacred literature, the Vedas, did leave us with some understanding of their lives. This essential question requires you to read through the relevant section in the textbook (pp. 61 – 65), and explain how they influenced the Indian culture as we know it today. One of the more important legacies of the Aryan people is the caste-system, so make sure that you explain this concept and describe how it still affects life in India even today. Ultimately the Vedic system led to the development of two religious systems, Hinduism and Buddhism, which is significant because about 20% of the world's population practice one of these religions.
_3. Compare the ideas of Buddhism and Hinduism in respect to the rise of the Indus Valley civilization.
The most effective way to answer this essential question would be to read through Chapter 3, Section 2 on pp. 66 – 71 and take notes using a Venn diagram while doing so to explain how the two religions are similar, and how they are different. You will find additional and useful information on pp. 284 – 285, pp. 288 – 289, pp. 193 - 194 and p. 296. Buddhism eventually spread to other areas of Asia, but this is not relevant as the question asks you focus on the area within India.
Additional Resource: Buddhism vs. Hinduism
The most effective way to answer this essential question would be to read through Chapter 3, Section 2 on pp. 66 – 71 and take notes using a Venn diagram while doing so to explain how the two religions are similar, and how they are different. You will find additional and useful information on pp. 284 – 285, pp. 288 – 289, pp. 193 - 194 and p. 296. Buddhism eventually spread to other areas of Asia, but this is not relevant as the question asks you focus on the area within India.
Additional Resource: Buddhism vs. Hinduism
4. Explain the rise and fall of the unified kingdom of India.
There were two empires in India – the Mauryan and Gupta empires – but neither was able to unite India permanently. In fact, the diversity of people, beliefs, cultures and languages continues to challenge Indian unity even today! To answer the essential question, you should briefly describe these two empires and the changes brought about during these two periods. You will find the information in Chapter 7, Section 1, pp. 189 – 192.
The Mauryan empire was established by Chandragupta Maurya in 321 B.C., and taken over by his son and then later by his grandson, Asoka in 269 B.C. After Asoka conquered his enemies, he became a Buddhist, and changed his rule in accordance to Buddhist principles. Explain the consequences of this change and describe what other changes happened during Asoka's rule.
About 500 years after Asoka's death the Gupta empire was established by Chandra Gupta I, bringing with it major achievements in the arts, religious thoughts and science. Gupta II expanded the empire further through military and diplomatic means, which you can describe briefly in your answer.
Finally, explain what happened after Gupta II passed away, how the empire went into decline during the following 100 years and was eventually invaded by the Hunas.
There were two empires in India – the Mauryan and Gupta empires – but neither was able to unite India permanently. In fact, the diversity of people, beliefs, cultures and languages continues to challenge Indian unity even today! To answer the essential question, you should briefly describe these two empires and the changes brought about during these two periods. You will find the information in Chapter 7, Section 1, pp. 189 – 192.
The Mauryan empire was established by Chandragupta Maurya in 321 B.C., and taken over by his son and then later by his grandson, Asoka in 269 B.C. After Asoka conquered his enemies, he became a Buddhist, and changed his rule in accordance to Buddhist principles. Explain the consequences of this change and describe what other changes happened during Asoka's rule.
About 500 years after Asoka's death the Gupta empire was established by Chandra Gupta I, bringing with it major achievements in the arts, religious thoughts and science. Gupta II expanded the empire further through military and diplomatic means, which you can describe briefly in your answer.
Finally, explain what happened after Gupta II passed away, how the empire went into decline during the following 100 years and was eventually invaded by the Hunas.
5. Describe the achievements in Indian literature (especially drama), art, science and math.
This is a straightforward question to answer, and you will find all the information you need to do so on pp. 194 – 195.
Additional Resource: Science, Medicine, Technology in Ancient India
This is a straightforward question to answer, and you will find all the information you need to do so on pp. 194 – 195.
Additional Resource: Science, Medicine, Technology in Ancient India
6. Evaluate the impact of trade on India and other South Asian cultures.
India is a country rich in valuable resources (provide examples), and had been trading for many centuries with various regions. However, several things happened that allowed India to expand their trade – invasions that allowed them to learn about the famous Silk Roads and the expansion of sea trade. In addition to trading their own goods, the Indians saw a golden opportunity to act as middlemen between traders from the east and west, fostering a strong economy. The Indians also established banking services to merchants at high interest rates, which added to the economic growth. To answer this essential question, explain the above in more detail, and then comment on how this trade also contributed to the spread of Indian culture (architecture, art, dance, literature) and Indian religions (Buddhism and Hinduism). You will find the relevant information on pp. 195 – 197, including a map that illustrates the accessibility India had to other regions.
India is a country rich in valuable resources (provide examples), and had been trading for many centuries with various regions. However, several things happened that allowed India to expand their trade – invasions that allowed them to learn about the famous Silk Roads and the expansion of sea trade. In addition to trading their own goods, the Indians saw a golden opportunity to act as middlemen between traders from the east and west, fostering a strong economy. The Indians also established banking services to merchants at high interest rates, which added to the economic growth. To answer this essential question, explain the above in more detail, and then comment on how this trade also contributed to the spread of Indian culture (architecture, art, dance, literature) and Indian religions (Buddhism and Hinduism). You will find the relevant information on pp. 195 – 197, including a map that illustrates the accessibility India had to other regions.