Download I. The Aryans

Chapter 3 Section 2 pages 55 – 58
Kingdoms of the Ganges
I.
The Aryans
A. Tall, light-skinned warriors
B. From Europe
C. Moved into the Ganges Plain
D. Few records of Aryan civilization
- Our knowledge comes from their Vedas
- collection of prayers, hymns, & religious teachings
E. The Vedic Age
- Period from 1500-500 BC
II.
Aryan Society
A. At first - Nomadic Warriors
- Valued
a. Eating/drinking
b. Music
c. Chariot races
d. Dice games
e. Cattle
B. Over time- Settle Down to farm
C. Social classes based on occupation emerge
- CASTES (cannot move out of your caste)
a. Brahmins = priests
b. Kshatriyas = warriors
c. Vaisyas = herders, farmers, artisans, merchants
d. Sudras = farmers, servants
e. Pariahs or Outcasts or Untouchables = Slaves
III.
Aryan Religion
- Polytheistic
1. gods & goddesses of natural forces
2. Chief god
- Indra- the god of war
3. Worship of animals
4. Changes to religion
- move toward the worship of 1 spiritual power
- Brahman
- Meditation & yoga
IV.
Aryan Language
- Sanskrit
**Aryan traditions and beliefs formed a framework for later Indian
civilization…Hinduism and Buddhism