Objectives

At about the same time that the Great Pyramids were rising in Egypt and comparable developments were taking place in Mesopotamia, a third great civilization was taking shape on what today we call the Indian subcontinent. The impressive architectural, sculptural, and pottery remains of these early Indus Valley civilizations were but a prelude to the development of a rich and varied culture in this land. Also, the religions and cultural influences of India spread across its borders into neighboring lands to the southeast, such as Burma, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Your primary objective for this chapter is to acquire those geographic, historical, philosophical, and linguistic skills needed to begin an exploration of the fascinating crossroads between the Far East and the Far West.

Goals for this chapter include:

• Orient yourself to the geographical focal points of India and Southeast Asia.

• Identify the intriguing clues that point to contact between early Indus Valley civilization and the civilizations of Mesopotamia.

• Watch the rise of Buddhism and Hinduism and their resultant artistic creations, including their spread to the countries southeast of India.

• Grasp the essential chronology of developments in India before 1200.

• Find the influences of Hellenistic culture on Indian culture.

• Distinguish between Hellenistic influences and an indigenous Indian style.