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
