Trade Spreads Indian Religions and Culture

Buddhism and Hinduism Change

Traditional Hindu and Buddhist Beliefs

Hinduism blends Aryan beliefs and other beliefs; polytheisticbelieves in many gods. To Buddhists, desire causes suffering, but suffering can be overcome. Hinduism: belief in many ______, polytheism. Buddihists believe that _________ causes ________________.

A Buddha image from Nepal

A stupa

Buddhism and Hinduism Change

A Hindu Rebirth
Hinduism moves toward monotheism; gods are part of one divine force

Brahmacreator of the world Vishnupreserver of the world Shivadestroyer of the world

Brahma

Vishnu

Shiva

Achievements of Indian Culture

Literature and the Performing Arts

Kalidasapoet and dramatist, one of Indias greatest writers His skillful and emotionally stirring plays are still popular Madurai writing academies create literature; 2,000 Tamil poems survive Drama and dance troupes gain popularity and travel widely

Achievements of Indian Culture

Astronomy, Mathematics, and Medicine

Ocean trade leads to advances in astronomy Indian astronomers in Gupta Empire prove that the world is round. Mathematicians develop the idea of zero and decimal system Doctors write medical guides and make advances in surgery

The Spread of Indian Trade

Indias Valuable Resources

India has spices, diamonds, precious stones, and good quality wood

The Spread of Indian Trade

Indias Valuable Resources

India has spices, diamonds, precious stones, and good quality wood

Overland Trade, East and West

Trade routes called Silk Roads connect Asia and Europe Indians build trading posts to take advantage of the Silk Roads

The Spread of Indian Trade

Sea Trade, East and West

Indian merchants carry goods to Rome by sea Merchants trade by sea with Africa, Arabia, China, Southeast Asia

The Spread of Indian Trade

Effects of Indian Trade

Increased trade leads to rise in banking Bankers lend money to merchants, careful of degree of risk Increased trade spreads Indian culture to other places Trade brings Hinduism, Buddhism to other lands