Ancient India

Edicts of Ashoka

100

Who wrote the edicts of Ashoka?

Ashoka

200

This religion, which started in 5th Century BCE, greatly influenced Ashoka's writings

Buddhism

300

This word means to "uphold", and Ashoka used this word to mean "moral" or "ethical" behaviour 

Dhamma

400

What languages were the edicts written?

Prakrit, a language everyone could read and understand 

500

Where were the edicts found?

pillars, stones and rocks. 

Timelines

100

3300 bce

The start of the Indus Valley Civilisation

200

1500 BCE

Aryan Migration into the Indus Valley

300

1200 BCE

Aryans start to work with iron and the Mantra portions of the Vedas are largely completed

400

700 BCE

The Caste System becomes more structured as a social organiser 

500

321 BCE

The Mauryan Dynasty begins 

ch-ch-changes

100

How did the seasonal flooding of the Indus River impact the people of the region?

Reliable monsoon flooding meant that the land was fertile and farmers could plan their crops.  The crops lead to a surplus of food encouraging trade and population growth.  The Aryans likely migrated here due to the climate and growing potential.  

200

How did the Aryans using iron tools affect their population?

They could clear large portions of heavily forested area and grow and spread their population due to the creation of new farmland and new land for people to live. 

300

How did the battle of Kalinga shape Ashoka and Indian society?

The bloodshed encouraged Ashoka to turn away from violence and be a peaceful leader.  He promoted dhamma and a peaceful, nonviolent Buddhist way of life for all the people of India. 

400

How did the Aryan Migration change ancient India and the subcontinent?

Aryan's brought their stories and poems, and wrote them down as the Vedas. This became the basis of Hinduism.  They're use of Iron tools cleared dense forest and allowed the population to grow. 

500

Ashoka did this with the Caste system... 

nothing, people were practicing "dhamma" and he was not trying to be a social revolutionary. 

The Caste System

100

These individuals are the only ones able to read the Vedas.  They practice rituals and ceremonies. 

Brahmins - Priests

200

True or False: there is absolutely no caste system that exists today and there is no prejudice that happens

False

300

These people are known as "Dalits".  They include leather workers and sweepers.  

Untouchables

400

This colonialist power codified the caste system into IDs and census data making

The British 

500

In 1950 India wrote it's constitution in it's independence.  They said this about the caste system... 

It's illegal to discriminate based on caste 

What am I?

100

I am from Central Asia and Eastern Europe.  I moved here, but apparently some people think I invaded. 

The Aryans

200

I am an Indian prince seeking enlightenment.   Some people call me Siddhartha but you can call me..

Buddha

300

I am a declaration from King Ashoka and you can find me inscribed in pillars, caves, and rocks.  I'll tell you how to uphold society and what morals you should possess.  I am an... 

Edict 

400

I am a leather worker.  This is a generational caste, and I will not break it unless I have good karma and am reincarnated as a different caste.  I am an... 

untouchable 

500

I am a seasonal rain that causes the Indus River to flood annually.  I am a...

Monsoon