South Asia: Legacies

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South Asia Legacies
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Legacies of Harappan Civilization

• Beginning of civilization in South Asia.
• First city planning ever (grid pattern)

3
Legacies of Early Aryan Civilization

• Varna system (caste system)
• Hinduism
• Buddhism
• Source of modern Indian culture

4
Legacies of the Maurya Empire

• First government to unite most of India
• Chandraguptas achievements
• Organized government, court systems, secret
  police, women warriors as guards
• Asokas achievements
• Rejection of violence, spread of Buddhism,
  preaching religious tolerance, stone pillars
  offering moral advice and promising a just
  government (called the Rock Edicts)

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Legacies of the Gupta Empire

• Second time India under one government
• Indias Golden Age
• Peace, prosperity, flowering in the arts and
  learning
• Arabic numerals, concept of zero, decimal system
• Medical advances
• Literature (Shakuntala)

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Legacies of the Mughal Empire

• Muslim rule Islam and Hinduism from now on the
  two main religions of India
• Akbars achievements promotion of religious
  tolerance
• Nur Jahan ruled for her husband, most powerful
  Indian woman until the 20th century
• Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan
• Trade leading to British imperialism
• Weaknesses leading to British imperialism

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What are the historical reasons for the current
religious conflicts in South Asia?
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Why might Hindus and Muslims not get along?

• Hindus polytheistic while Muslims monotheistic
• Many sacred texts in Hinduism, while there is
  only the Quran in Islam
• Caste system in Hinduism, while Muslims believe
  in equality before God
• Differences in worship music and dance in
  Hindus celebrations, not in Islamic

9
What events might have caused current conflicts
between Hindus and Muslims?

• Killing of Hindus when Muslims invaded India
• Rule by Muslims during Mughal Empire
• Conflicts between Hindu and Muslim princes during
  empires decline