Download India and Hinduism

Indo-European Migrations
Mass Migrations from the Steppes to Europe, Anatolia, and India
Steppes
2
Hindu Kush Mountains
Khyber Pass
Through Hindu Kush Mts.
I. Classical Indian civilization began in the Indus River Valley, spread to the Ganges River Valley, and then spread
throughout the Indian subcontinent. This spread continued with little interruption because of the geographic location.
A. Why were physical geography and location important to the development of Indian
civilization?
1. Physical barriers: Himalayas, Hindu Kush & Indian Ocean made invasion difficult
2. Mountain passes in the Hindu Kush provided migration routes into the Indian
subcontinent
3. The Indus & Ganges were most important rivers, for life & spiritual importance.
Caste
System
II. Indo-European Aryans migrated into the area, creating a structured society (caste system) and blending their beliefs
with those of the indigenous people.
A. What impact did the Aryans have on India?
1. Aryans migrated into subcontinent, asserted dominance
2. Brought religion; holy books = Vedas – Vedic religion evolved into
Hinduism
3. Established new social order Caste System
Creation of the Indian Caste System
There are four main class levels or Varna’s in the
caste system, Brahmans, Kshatrias, Vaishias, and
Sundras. According to the religious aspect of the
ancient creation myth, each level of class was
created from each body part of Purush. In reference
to the ancient Hindu book, Purush was the primal
man. The body parts of Purush play a significant
part in establishing boundaries of the caste system.
It is understood that Purush destroyed himself in
order to create human society. Each part of the
body determined a level class based on its order
from the top to the bottom. The Brahmans which
were created from Purush’s head were
acknowledged as the highest level of the caste
system. Following Brahmans were the Kshatrias
created from his hands, Vaishias (thighs), and its
lowest class, Sundras (feet).
No Social
Mobility! –
born & die in
same caste
III. Hinduism was an important contribution of classical India.
A. What are the beliefs of the Hindu religion?
1. No single founder – evolved from Aryan Vedic traditions
2. Interconnectedness of life; Atman = individual soul; & Brahman =
world soul
3. Reincarnation – rebirth of soul through many lifetimes
4. Dharma – duties specific to each caste; pride in fulfilling Dharma
5. Karma – all thoughts & actions result in future consequences (good
or bad)
6. Moksha – spiritual goal for Hindus; release from cycle of rebirth;
join world soul
Reincarnation
Rebirth
Death
Birth
Death
Rebirth
IV. Hindu Gods
A. How did Hindus view their gods? Many incarnations of one god Brahman
1. Brahma – the Creator
2. Vishnu – the Protector
3. Shiva – the Destroyer
IV. Hinduism relied on sacred literature as a foundation of the religion.
A. What were the “Sacred Writings” of Hinduism?
1. Upanishads = introduced idea of universal spirit &
separation from material world
2. Vedas = beginning of Hindu religion
3. Mahabharata = 106,000 verse epic Indian poem; addressing
good & evil; importance of Dharma.
Shiva
Brahma
Vishnu
IV. Hinduism influenced Indian society and culture and is still practiced in India today.
A. How did Hinduism influence Indian society and culture?
1. Karma & reincarnation strengthened Caste System
2. Caste System influenced all social interactions & occupations
3. NO SOCIAL MOBILITY!
4. Hindu culture spread to SE Asia along trade routes.
No Social Mobility – born & die in same caste
H I N
D U I S M
Critical Intro
Create an acrostic from
the word Hinduism on
the last page of packet.