AN02c2

Unit02: New Directions in Government and Society

Ch.07

Timeline: 5th C. BCE -6thC.CE

FS: Trade becomes a vehicle for change in South Asia.

Main Idea: The period during and after the empires of the Mauryans and Guptas witnessed
cultural change in South Asia. The forces of cultural diffusion contributed to an evolution of
Indian culture and science, which is later exported to other regions through trade. The influence
of Indian culture and religions is very evident throughout South Asia today.
CCSS
I. Religious Change
Hinduism was dominated by Brahmins (Brahminism) by the 6th C. BCE. Any faith
dominated by a select social group excludes many from participation and contributing to it's
development.
Buddhism teaches that desire causes suffering and that humans should overcome
desire by following the Eightfold Path. The notion that one must exercise self-denial and
restraint proved difficult for many to follow.
A. Buddhism
1. The Buddha (Siddartha Gautama) taught that every person had an equal chance to
achieve nirvana. As with other philosophies or faiths heavily influenced by a single,
founding individual (Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, etc.), the death of The Buddha
sets the stage for his disciples to develop different interpretations of his teachings.
Though the Buddha had not encouraged people to worship him, some began to
teach that he was divine. Some developed the belief people could become Buddhas.
These potential Buddhas, called bodhisattvas, could choose to give up nirvana and
guide others toward enlightenment. The new ideas changed Buddhism from a
philosophy that emphasized self-discipline to a religion that offered salvation to all via
worship, ritual, and conduct. By the 1st C. CE, Buddhists had divided into two major
doctrines. Those who accepted the newer 'spiritual' interpretation of The Buddha's
teachings now belonged to the Mahayana sect. Those who remained steadfast to
The Buddhas original teachings belonged to the Theravada sect. As the philosophy/
faith spreads to other areas it evolved further into unique regional forms.
2. Ch'an Buddhism in the mountainous areas of China evolves further in Japan where it
is known as 'Zen' Buddhism.
3. Tibet's unique conditions nurtures the development of Tibetan Buddhism, best
represented today by His Holiness- The Dalai Lama.
B. Hinduism
- By the time of the Mauryan Empire, Hindu rituals became the exclusive domain of the
Brahmin caste. Gradually, through exposure to other cultures and in response to the
popularity of Buddhism, Hinduism evolved. Though the religion ostensibly embraced
hundreds of deities, a trend toward monotheism was growing. Many people accepted
the belief that there was only one divine force in the universe. The various gods traits/
qualities of that force. The three most important Hindu deities were Brahma, the
creator; Vishnu, the preserver; and Shiva, the destroyer. As Hinduism evolved into a
more personal religion, its popular appeal grew.
II. Indian Trade Spreads Indian Thought

AN02c2

Unit02: New Directions in Government and Society

Ch.07

A. Land Routes
- A network of roads criss-crossed the subcontinent. One road would connect with another
allowing traveler and merchant to reach the Silk Roads of Central Asia. From there,
markets as far West as Rome and as far East as China were accessible via caravan- a
perfect opportunity for Indian merchants to become "Middlemen". Other roads would
connect seaports thereby extending the reach, inland, of sea routes.
B. Sea Routes
- The Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and the Indian Ocean were
heavily traveled by Indian merchants. Ports of call as far West as the African coast, as
far North as Cairo, and as Far East as China's coast were the destinations and origins of
a variety of products. Along with the spices, minerals, and finished goods, came the
cultural gems of science, literature, and philosophy.
Supporting this commercial activity was the financial and record-keeping innovations that
funded and organized it. Banks opened and offered loans at interest and the digits 0 - 9 (Arabic
Numerals are how they are [incorrectly] referred to today) were employed to simplify accounting.
Materials/Sources:Refer to the course calendar for additional assignments and pertinent due dates.
World History: Patterns of Interaction