6.5.2 The Vedic Civilisation The next civilization in India was named after a collection of sacred writings called the Vedas , developed around 1600 BCE. Written in Sanskrit , the Vedas are foundational to Hinduism, with the Rig-Veda being the most important. The Vedic (or Aryan) culture originated from western Asia, with some groups moving into Europe and others entering India. The Aryans were nomadic warriors who moved across the Indus and Ganges rivers using horses and chariots. Unlike the city-building Indus Valley Civilization, they formed tribes led by chiefs or rajas and often fought among themselves. Civil conþict led the Aryans to divide their land into 16 Mahajanapadas or ‘city-states’. Later, Persian leaders like Cyrus the Great and Darius I invaded Northern India and the Indus Valley until they were defeated by Alexander the Great. Alexander then invaded northern India, believing it marked the end of the known world, and fought one of his costliest battles at Hydaspes. 6.5.3 The Mauryan Empire When Alexander the Great left India in 321 BCE, a powerful new ruler emerged. Chandragupta Maurya united India for the ýrst time, creating the Mauryan Empire. Under his rule, India became strong and prosperous. The empire reached its peak under Chandragupta’s grandson, Ashoka, who ruled a vast territory stretching from Afghanistan to Bangladesh. Ashoka and Buddhism A ýerce warrior king in his youth, the horrors of war changed Ashoka. In 259 BCE, Ashoka converted to Buddhism and chose a path of peace. Under his rule, writing and learning became important again. Ashoka spread Buddhist teachings across Asia and built new roads and trading networks. He even sent Buddhist missionaries to other regions and assisted the spread of Buddhism in Asia. Therefore, the ýrst known writings since the fall of the Indus Valley Civilisation were Buddhist religious texts.
SkillBuilder discussion Using historical sources 1. Why might the local ruler have chosen to be depicted in a Roman-type helmet on the coin? 2. What could this symbolise about his reign or his relationship with Rome?
SOURCE4 An Indian silver coin (c. ýrst century BCE) depicting the local ruler wearing a Roman‐type helmet with bristles
After Ashoka died, the empire began to decline. When the last Mauryan ruler was killed, the empire collapsed. Greek rulers then invaded India, bringing their own culture and ideas. Greek artistic trends heavily inþuenced the development of Indian art. This change is reþected in representations of the Buddha.
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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