Culture of Ancient India

The culture of ancient India is incredibly rich and varied. It is the birthplace of two of the world’s greatest religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, and the culture we have to thank for a host of inventions and technological developments still used today. There are a number of distinct eras in Indian history which should be included in any study of Indian culture: the ancient, medieval and modern eras. Each era is characterized by a shift in politics, international relations and social dynamics.

To achieve an overall understanding of Indian culture, consider having students do research either individually or in small groups to contribute to a large timeline which will illustrate the nation’s history in separate sections: politics, religion, culture and technology. You may color code the timeline either by era or by theme to help students master the history of India.

In order to help students understand the caste system, implement a caste system in your classroom for the day based on physical qualities that students cannot control (e.g.: hair color, eye color, etc . . . ) Allow students in the top caste the longest time for recess while forbidding the “untouchables” from going to recess.

Have a Diwali celebration for the class. Diwali (typically in November or December) is a festival of lights which honors the end of a dark period in Indian history. It is said that playing cards on Diwali is lucky so teach students some traditional Indian card games which they can play, consider bringing in some traditional Indian foods and playing some Indian music to round out the celebration. What follows are more lessons that can help students explore the history and culture of India.

The Culture of Ancient India:

Major Religions in Ancient India

One of the most important aspects of Indian culture is its religions. This lesson can help students develop a basic understanding of Hinduism and Buddhism in terms of their beliefs and practices. While this specific lesson is designed to facilitate review, it is also a helpful format to use in order to provide an overview of the information.

Shadow Puppetry in South India

In this lesson, students craft shadow puppets in the Indian tradition to help illustrate and bring to life traditional Indian tales. This lesson is a wonderful opportunity for social studies teachers to collaborate with their colleagues in the language arts and art departments. You may want to consider performing the folk tales for other classes or for parents.

A Walk Through Harappa

This lesson provides an in-depth examination of the Indus River Valley culture as it emerged in ancient India. Students talk about the government, religions, technology and daily life of this tremendously productive ancient civilization.

What Can We Learn About India From a Ten Rupee Bank Note?

Through an in-depth exploration of a ten rupee bank note, students will learn about the social, cultural and political landscape of India. The lesson will also allow students to learn a bit about Indian history and the nation’s role in the modern world.