Eastern Vs Western Civilizations

• In 1398 AD India was invaded by the Mongolians
• Delhi was looted of its riches and craftsmen as well as skilled workers were taken into slavery
• the Mongolians retreated in 1399 AD leaving India in the hands of weakened Sultans

Metropolitian Museum of Art, NYC

Islamic Influences

Maurya Empire

Indus Valley Civilization

1186 AD

322 BC - 185 BC

3300 BC - 1300 BC

• After the Muslims invaded Northern India, drastic changes could be seen in architecture, art and music
• After war and rebellion declined cities were urbanized and became rich through trade

• After conquering the region of Kalinga (262 BC - 621 BC), Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism

• founded by Chandragupta Maurya
• great warrior and emperor
• took over Alexander the Great's land in India

• Grandson Ashoka becomes Emperor in 262 BC
• Within 2 years he controlled most of the Indian Penninsula

• Buddhism was founded by Buddha and revolved around the 4 Vedas outlining the 4 Noble truths"

1. All life is suffering

2. All suffering comes from attachment (cause)

3. Nirvana (salvation) is the way out of this eternal cycle of suffering (end)

4. Nirvana can be attained through the Eightfold Path

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• farmers, skilled metal workers and jewelers
• big on trade - especially with the people of Mesopotamia

Designed a grid system similar to big cities today

• Oldest drainage system removing sewage from inside the city
• older than the water tunnels of Siena, Italy (12th Century)

Qutb Minar

The 29 Caves of Ajanta

332 BC

1526 AD

1500 BC

2015 AD

3300 BC

The Mughal Empire

Aryans

The Gupta and Rajput Empire

1526 - 1857 AD

1500 BC - 500 BC

Gupta Empire: 320 to 550 AD - Rajput Empire 550 - 711 AD

• After India was weakened by the Mongols, the Mughals invaded from the Northwest

• Rajputs carried on with the beliefs of the Guptas
• Introduced a newer style of architecture, modifying Buddhist influences

• Reintroduced Hinduism to Indian society after a century
• This time Hinduism came back with stronger Buddhist influences implimenting many principles and ideas
• New features included a stronger concept of "The Gods" - Creator (Brahma), Sustainer (Vishnu), and Destroyer (Rudhra)
• Pure Buddhism became a fringe religion
• progressed in education: development of the decimal number
• created universities, learned about philosophy, religion and medicine

Akbar

Shah Jahan

• initial developments of the Hindu Religion formed
• people began to differentiate right from wrong
• the desire to attain salvation
• Hinduism = life revolves around an endless cycle
• Samasara = cycle of life, followed by rebirth (what goes around, comes around)
• One must live dutifully in accordance to karma (deeds/actions) and dharma (duties)
• form of reincarnation depended directly on karma and dharma

• Due to the Caste System, Hinduism soon became more rigid and rule based
• people began to judge others according to their social status rather than their good deeds
• Sub-religion Buddhism developed as a less extreme form of Hinduism

Tribal herdsmen and warriors

• Mughal empire saw amazing achievements in architecture
• Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the building of a magnificent tomb for his beloved wife who died at a young age
• Her name was Mumtaz Mahal

Developed the four Vedas: Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda.

• Instead of imposing their faith, Mughals tried to integrate with the Hindu society of India
• Emperor Akbar, a wise and generous ruler, was famous for creating the concept of taxes
• Took from the people to create an empire rich with facilities for his people
• Widely known and respected even in Elizabethan England

"Taj Mahal was the most compelling monument to depict the power of love"

- It was the combination of Islamic and Hindu art – basically a synopsis of india’s history by encompassing the different values instilled by its conquerors

- It took 22 years to complete and required the labor of 20,000 men

- Mughal dynasty declined 100 years after its completion