Harappan Society (Chapter 4)

What was the Indian caste system?

A central institution that served to promote social stability

What did the Lawbook of Manu reflect?

A strong patriarchal society

According to the Upanishads, how should an individual act?

An individual should observe high ethical standards such as honesty, self-control, and charity

Where do we get our understanding of Harrappan society?

Archeological physical remains found above the water table

What was the Upanishads universal soul called?

Brahman

What does the Mundaka Upanishad present an understanding of?

Brahman through proper instruction

In sacred texts, what were the enemies of the Aryans called?

Dasas

What happened to the Indus Valley after 1900 BCE?

Deforestation and soil erosion which led to desertification

Why did residents of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro abandon their cities in 1700 BCE?

Deforestation of the Indus River Valley

What did Harappan religion reflect a strong concern for?

Fertility

What was the economy of the Aryans based on?

Grazing horses and herds of cattle

What social features were more distinct in Harapppan society?

Houses, ovens, and wells

Who were the Aryans?

Indo-Europeans who migrated to the Indian subcontinent

What did the four main caste distinctions include?

Priests, landless peasants, Warriors, and cultivators and artisans

What did the Aryan religion focus on during the Vedic age?

Ritual sacrifices and the god of war

What did religious activity in India revolve around?

Sacrificial rituals

What did the Upanishads cultivate?

Self control

Which river draws its water from the Hindu Kush and Himalayas?

The Indus River

Why is 1500 to 500 BCE called the Vedic age?

The four earliest religious texts were compiled in this period

Who were the original inhabitants of Harappa?

The Scythians

What are the Upanishads?

The blending of Aryan and Dravidian values

According to the Upanishads, what was the highest goals of the individual soul?

To attain the state of moksha

What was the Aryans terms for their four original castes?

Varnas

What were sacred texts of the early Aryans called?

Vedas

What quality did Indra exemplify?

Warlike

What did the Harappans diet consist of?

Wheat, barley, chicken, cattle, sheep, and goats