Religion 221 - History of Early India

Institution:

Bard College

Subject:

Description:

Asian Studies, Historical Studies An overview of the early history and culture of South Asia, from its earliest urban civilization in the Indus Valley (2500-1800 B.C.E.) up to the classical period of theGupta dynasty in northern India (300-550 C.E.). Considered within this time frame are the Indus Valley civilization and early Indo-Aryan or Vedic culture; the period of second urbanization in the Indo-Gangetic plain and the transition from tribes to kingdoms; the rise of the Mauryan empire; the emergence and growth of heterodox orders of Buddhists and Jains and responses to their challenge from orthodox Hindus; the post-Mauryan period of Central Asian rule; and classical Indian culture during the Gupta period. While it traces this chronological history, the course pays greater attention to key issues and debates within Indian history: social hierarchy and the development of caste society, the status of women, the roles of religious specialists in the political order, and the ideology and practice of kingship.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.bard.edu

Phone Number:

(845) 758-6822

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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