India and South Asia 1000 BCE
In this dark age of ancient Indian history the Aryan people are laying the foundations of future Indian civilization.
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What is happening in India and South Asia in 1000BCE
The Caste System
The past centuries the Indo-European peoples (Aryans) have spread across northern India and have begun to live in settled villages and tribal states. These are ruled over by the leaders of prominent Aryan clans, now emerging as kings. It is probably around this time in ancient India’s history that the four earliest castes appear in Aryan society: Brahmins (priests), Ksatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaisya (the broad mass of tribesmen – farmers, craftsmen and merchants), and the descendants of conquered peoples relegated to a subservient role in society as Sudras (servants and laborers). This simple four-tiered caste system will become ever more elaborate as the history of India progresses.
The Vedic Age
At this time also, a rich religious oral tradition is being developed, revolving around the doings of the Aryan’s pantheon of gods and goddesses. This will later form the Vedas, the most ancient scriptures of the Hindu world and one of the most important foundations for Indian civilization. This period of history is therefore known as the Vedic Age of ancient India.
Next map, India and South Asia in 500 BCE
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The History and civilization of Ancient India
The Vedic Age of Ancient India (1500-500 BCE)
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Civilizations related to India and South Asia
2700BCE - 1700BCE Indus Valley Civilization 1500BCE - 500BCE The Vedic Age of Ancient India 700BCE - 350BCE Classical Era of Ancient India 350BCE - 150BCE The Mauryan Empire of Ancient India 250BCE - 250CE Gandhara Culture of Ancient India 200BCE - 1000CE History of the Deccan Empires of Ancient and Medieval India 800CE - 1200CE The Rajputs of India 1200CE - 1500CE The Delhi Sultanate of India 1526CE - 1758CE The Mughal Empire 1758CE - 1947CE British IndiaSubscribe for more great content – and remove ads
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