LESSON #8.

Topic: Fairyland India.

Target: introducing schoolchildren to Indian culture, through acquaintance with mythology, religion and art of the people.

Tasks:

to acquaint students with the culture of the peoples of India, with their customs and traditions;

to acquaint students with the features of the national Indian costume, with Indian architecture;

to introduce students to the ancient beliefs and myths of India;

form an aesthetic perception of the world.

Equipment: presentation.

Conduct forms:

The teacher's story with elements of conversation.

Viewing a presentation.

Form of control: survey, control exercises

STUDY PROCEDURE:

I . Introduction. (1 slide)

1. Today we will start a lesson where you will get acquainted with the "Fairytale Land of India", with its culture, traditions and customs of the people. At the time of the lesson, we will remember the rules of communication that we will follow:

1. Voluntary participation.

2. Acceptance of yourself and your communication partner.

3. Goodwill.

4. Here and now.

5. I think...

Do you want to add something else to the rules or change them?

2. Ritual of greeting " Circle conversation ».

Children and teacher sit in a circle. The teacher starts the sentence, and the children take turns, without interrupting each other, to complete it. For example: “What I like most about myself….”, “I would like to become…”, “My favorite game…”, “Most of all I am afraid….”, “Someday I hope…”.

II . Main part.

1. Ancient beliefs and myths of India.

(2 slide)

Ancient Indian civilization is one of the most ancient and original civilizations of the East. The history of this country dates back thousands of years.

India is located on the Hindustan Peninsula, bordered by waters indian ocean, Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

(3 slide)

Religions of Ancient India.

The thousand-year-old cultural tradition of India has developed in close connection with the development of the religious ideas of its people. The main religious trend was Hinduism (more than 80% of the population of India now follows it). The roots of this religion go back to ancient times.

(4 slide)

Hinduism.

In Hinduism, the creator god comes to the fore, a strict hierarchy of gods is established.

Trimurti (Trinity):

1. Brahma - "priest", ruler and creator of the world, he owned the establishment of social laws (tharms) on earth, the division into true ones, he is the punisher of infidels and sinners.

2. Vishnu is the guardian god, the guardian of the universe.

3. Shiva - God - the destroyer of the Universe (a kind protector and a formidable god - living on the battlefields and at funeral pyres).

(5 slide)

Brahma is portrayed: the skin is crimson, he is dressed in a red robe. Brahma has 4 heads, hands and faces. Four hands represent all directions of the world. In addition, the hands represent Intelligence, Reason, Ego and Self-Confidence; He does not hold a weapon, like many other deities of the Hindu pantheon. He sits on a Lotus or in a chariot drawn by seven swans. In one right hand he holds a rosary (akshamala), in the other - a vessel of water (kamandalu).

Vishnu is depicted: in the form of a man with a dark blue face, with four arms: in one of them he holds a gada (rod), symbolizing knowledge, in the other - a shankha (shell), a symbol of the origin of life, emitting a sound that gave birth to the world. In the third hand of Vishnu is the Sudarshan Chakra (disk), which, when he uses it as a weapon, returns to him, hitting the target, as well as the symbol of the Universal Mind, one and perfect, capable of destroying any manifestation of ignorance. In the fourth hand of Vishnu is a lotus. On the chest of Vishnu - Kaustabha - a diamond, which is the consciousness contained in everything that sparkles and burns: in the sun, moon and fire.

Shiva is portrayed: Usually Shiva is depicted with a vahana ("vehicle" - the Nandi bull) at his feet, a cobra (Vasuki Serpent) around his neck and a trident in his hand.

(6 slide)

India is an original and original country, rich in ancient customs. It will be interesting and useful for a traveler who came here for the first time to learn some interesting traditions of India. In this country, their observance is very reverent, they are passed on from generation to generation, and ignorance or violation of any tradition can even be regarded as a crime.

(7 slide)

Indian manners and customs.

Since the majority of the population preaches Hinduism, most of the national traditions of India are associated with the laws of this religion:

The left hand is considered "unclean". For example, a Hindu will never take money from you if you hold it out to him with your left hand.

The Indians also do not respect the legs and consider them to be a dirty part of the body. Even feet turned in the direction of a specific person are considered an insult.

Violation of physical space, touching a person is considered a personal insult. Avoid handshakes and pats on the shoulder and back. If you want to say hello to a Hindu, just raise your palms to your chin and shake your head in the direction of the greeting.

(8 slide)

An unusual tradition in India is the cult of the cow. It is considered a sacred animal, it cannot be offended, beaten, and eating beef is equated with a mortal sin. This is why cows in India just roam the streets and avenues, creating huge traffic jams from cars waiting for the animal to leave the roadway.

Therefore, if you happen to run into a cow, then the consequences can be the most unpleasant, for this they can even be put in jail. Animals, which are revered by all Hindus without exception, it is better not to touch at all.

(9 slide)

The most famous and important festival in India is Diwali. It takes 5 days, during which time all the cities, towns and streets of the country are lit up with lights, the luminous country can be seen even from space at this time. There is a national tradition in India that this festival is held in honor of the victory of good over evil. As a sign of this, every inhabitant of the country should go out into the street with a lantern or a luminous lamp and join the procession through the streets.

(10 slide)

Mehendi is an unusual tradition in India. This is one of the traditional wedding ceremonies in the country. On the eve of the ceremony, the bride's hands are painted with henna. An intricate symbolic pattern is skillfully applied to the outer and inner sides of the palms, which from the side can be mistaken for a tattoo or lace gloves. The rest of the henna from the procedure should be buried in the ground. The traditions of India say that in this way a strong indestructible marriage is guaranteed for many years.

(11 slide)

Indian women marry early. The main signs of a married woman are a ring on the middle toe, an earring in her nose and the location of a point in the middle of her forehead, and not between the eyebrows, as before marriage. The traditional color of the bride's attire is red, symbolizing prosperity, good luck and fertility. Modern Indian women often choose other colors for their outfit: purple, dark yellow, blue or pink.

Indian women don't like the free-spirited way of communicating between men and women in the West, so you should avoid physical contact such as shaking hands if you're a woman. Do not shake hands with a woman (unless she is the first to extend it) and do not put your hand on the shoulder of a woman or a man.

(12 slide)

It is considered disrespectful to wear long or medium-length hair loose, so Indian women collect their hair in a bun or braid.

Also, many Indians can see a dot on their forehead.It is called bindi, which translates as "point", "droplet". And in Hindi it is “full moon”, “full moon”. No one knows exactly why they began to put this point. However, according to Tantrism, it is considered that in this place there is a “third eye”, symbolizing “hidden wisdom”. It is said that bindi saves from the "evil eye" and evil ailment. The point is applied between the eyebrows. It is believed that it is there that the “sixth chakra” is located, in which all life experience is concentrated.

(13 slide)

Monkeys living in temples dedicated to them are especially revered here. Animals are fed with pleasure by both Indians and tourists, and sometimes the monkeys themselves pester strangers, pull their clothes and stretch out their paws - in a word, they behave like real beggars.

Once in the environment of these tomboys, it is better to give them something to eat, otherwise they may bite. IN the famous Palace There are so many monkey winds in Jaipur that the Hindus do not advise tourists to inspect it, as the animals there are aggressive towards people.

(14 slide)

Burial in India.

Hindus profess giving the body to fire after death, followed by scattering the ashes over the waters of the Ganges.

(15 slide)

Myth- This is an ancient folk tale about legendary heroes, gods, natural phenomena.

Myths selected, accumulated, classified and preserved the richest knowledge and observations accumulated over many centuries by previous generations. Myths explained how the world surrounding a person, and the person himself, works. Myths indicated how a person should go through his life path, placing milestones on it that helped him not to stray from him, and described what awaits him after death. Myths were a special form of memory that helped the collective store the knowledge it needed and pass it on from generation to generation.

(16 slide)

Each nation has its own legend of the origin of the world. You all know the story of Adam and Eve. Listen to the Indian version of the origin of the world.

The myth is about what was in the beginning.

In the beginning there was neither being nor non-being. There was no air space, no sky above it. There was neither death nor immortality. There was no day or night. But there was something that breathed without disturbing the air. And there was nothing but him. The world was covered in darkness. Everything was an indistinguishable abyss, an emptiness generated by the power of heat. Desire came first, the seed of thought. Then the gods appeared. But did they create the world? Where did this creation come from? Did it create itself? The overseer of the world in the world that has left may or may not know about it.

The waters arose before all other creations. They created fire. The Golden Egg was born in them by fire. It is not known how many years it floated in the boundless and bottomless ocean.

(17 slide) From the Golden Embryo in the egg, the Progenitor Brahma arose. He cracked the egg. The upper part of the shell became the sky, the lower part became the earth, and between them Brahma placed air space. On the earth floating among the waters, he determined the countries of the world, laid the beginning of time. This is how the universe was created.

Looking around, Brahma saw that he was alone. And he became afraid. Therefore, by the power of thought, he begot from his eyes, his mouth, the right and left ears, from the nostrils of six sons. From them came gods, demons, people, birds and snakes, giants and monsters, priests and cows and many other creatures inhabiting all three worlds.

(18 slide)

When Brahma created the sky, and the earth, and the airspace, and all living beings in the universe went from his sons, he himself, tired of creation, retired, and handed over power over the worlds to his descendants - the gods and asuras.

Asuras were the elder brothers of the gods. They were powerful and wise and knew the secrets of magic - the Maya, they could take on various images or become invisible. They owned innumerable treasures, which they kept in their strongholds in mountain caves. And they had three fortified cities, first in heaven, then on earth: one of iron, another of silver, the third of gold; afterwards they united these three cities into one, towering above the earth; and they built themselves cities in the underworld.

Having transferred power to the gods and demons, Brahma went to rest in the shade, under the branches of a mulberry tree. Brahma's rest, his "day", will last for billions of years, until the "night of Brahma" comes and the world he created again becomes a huge mass of water, which will have to wait in the wings, the birth of a new world egg and the appearance of a new creator of Brahma.

What new did you learn from this myth?

2. Game "Stork and Frog".

This Indian game can be played by 4 or more people. To do this, you need to draw on the asphalt (drawing paper) big lake with bays, islands and capes. Players choose one leader - "stork", and the rest of all players become "frogs".

Rules of the game The "frogs" are sitting in the "water", not having the right to get out on the "land".

The "stork" must walk along the shore and try to catch the "frog". "Stork" has the right to jump from "island" to "island", but cannot enter the "water". The last "frog" caught becomes the "stork".

3. Indian national costume. (19 slide)

(20 slide)

Indian clothing has a great variety of colors and materials. The color code depends on religious and ritual justifications. For example, among Hindus, wearing white clothes is a sign of mourning, while among Parsis and Christians, clothes of this color are usually worn for a wedding.

(21 slides)

Traditional clothes.

Sariis a long, unsewn fabric that can be 4-9 meters long, allowing it to wrap the entire body in any style. There are various traditional types of saris. A common style for all saris is wrapping around the waist, after which one end covers the shoulder. The sari is usually worn over an underskirt. The blouse can be low-cut or be in the form of a blouse with straps. There are many sarees with big amount embellishments such as embroidery and mirrors. These sarees are worn on special occasions.

(22 slide)

Gagra choli or lehenga choli.

Lehenga is a form of long skirt that has pleats. Usually the lehenga is decorated or has large stripes at the bottom. A choli is a blouse, usually hidden, that is close to the body and has short sleeves and a deep neckline.

Women wear different styles of gagra choli, ranging from simple cotton lehenga choli as casual wear to traditional gagra with mirror embellishments.

(23 slide)

Salwar kameez.

Salwar kameez consists of wide trousers (salwar), which are narrowed at the ankles and a tunic (kameez). The salwar kameez was always worn with a scarf called a dupatta covering the head and chest. The material for the dupatta usually depends on the costume and is usually cotton, georgette, silk and chiffon. This dress is worn by almost every teenage girl instead of Western clothing.

(24 slide)

Men's clothing.

Dhoti is a six-foot white cotton sheet. This traditional attire is mainly worn by men in the villages. The dhoti is held in place by a sash around the waist, which can be either ornamented or patterned or simple. Men wear shirts over the dhoti.

(25 slide)

Shervani- This is a long jacket that fastens with buttons. Its length usually reaches the knees, but sometimes it can reach the calves. This jacket has a collar that is not rolled up like a normal one. Shervanis are worn with tight pants or trousers called "churidar". Churidar are trousers that are loose around the hips, but already tight around the ankles. Shervani is usually worn by grooms for the wedding ceremony.

4. Fairytale Indian architecture.

(26 slide)

Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is considered best example architecture that combines elements of Persian, Indian and Islamic architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal was named an object : "the pearl of Muslim art in India, one of the universally recognized masterpieces of the heritage, which is admired throughout the world."

Although the mausoleum's white marble dome is the most prominent component, the Taj Mahal is a structurally integrated complex. The building began to be built around 1632 and completed in 1653, employing 20,000 artisans and craftsmen. The management of the construction of the Taj Mahal was entrusted to the Council of Architects under imperial control.

Inside the mausoleum there are two tombs - the shah and his wife. In fact, their burial place is in the same place as the tombs, but underground. The time of construction refers to approximately 1630-1652. The Taj Mahal is a five-domed structure 74 m high on a platform, with 4 minarets at the corners (they are slightly tilted away from the tomb so as not to damage it in case of destruction), which is adjacent to a garden with fountains and a pool.

The walls are lined with polished translucent (brought to the construction site 300 km away) with gem inlay. Was used , , , etc. Marble has such a feature that in bright daylight it looks white, pink at dawn, and silvery on a moonlit night.

(27 slide)

The Kallanay Dam is considered to be the oldest hydraulic structure still in use today.

May heaven help keep the dam alive and well for so long. Not far from the dam, the Kaveri merges with another river, the Bhavani. And at the place of their intersection rises the temple of Sangameswarar. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in South India.

Further, the river again splits into two branches. And between these arms is a delta leading to the Bay of Bengal. This is, in its way, a very interesting place in India - irrigation facilities were built there more than 2000 years ago.

Callanay is huge building from rough stone: 329 meters long and 20 meters wide.

The purpose of the dam is to irrigate the fields. This whole undertaking as a whole makes the region very fertile.

The Kaveri Dam has served as a role model for the construction of new, young dams for many years. Although, of course, it could not do without repairs and modernization, it is still in excellent condition and will still serve.

The area of ​​land that it irrigates is 4,000 square kilometers.

(28 slide)

Marble has been mined in the mountains for a long time, so marble buildings are not uncommon here. Jag-nivas is lined with former marble, the most precious, slightly changing color depending on the time of day. Jag Niwas is often included in the lists of the most spectacular species, not only in India, but throughout the world.

It was built in 1754 under Jagat Singh II, and Jag Niwas has long served as the summer residence of the monarchs. Solemn feasts and receptions were held here. The palace faces east - so its inhabitants could greet in the morning rising Sun revered by God.

(29 slide) Jag Niwas dips his walls everywhere right into the water of Lake Pichola, and this is his main feature. Inside, marble walls hide many patios, fountains, artificial lakes with artificial islands.

And the only way to get to it is by boat.

(30 slide)

Vitthala Temple Musical Temple.

It demonstrates the amazing imagination of old architects. The inner halls of the temple are decorated with figures of musicians, dancers - this is not uncommon for the temples of India. But Vittala temple not only depicts music - it also sounds. The columns at the entrance and in the inner halls are made up of thin minicolumns-tubes surrounding the main column. There are seven of them on each column, and this is no coincidence - this peculiar instrument can play all seven notes.

Sound can be produced by light blows on the columns. In addition, the wind, walking in front of the temple, sings its own song among the gallery of columns of the music hall.

(31 slides) The temple is dedicated to the deity - Vishnu. For some reason, its central hall is devoid of the traditional divine figure, while others are richly decorated with figures of deities, idols, and mythological monsters. One of the halls is called the "Hall of a Hundred Columns", in the other, marriage ceremonies were held. It is assumed that earlier both the temple and the stone chariot located in front of it were painted with paints exclusively on a mineral basis. The remains of the painting have been preserved in some places in the temple and on those surfaces of the chariot that are protected from the effects of rain and wind.

5. Survey.

Religious movement in India.Answer: Hinduism.

God is the ruler and creator of the world.Answer: Brahma.

Who are Vishnu and Shiva?Answer: God is the protector and God is the destroyer.

Which hand is considered "unclean" in India?Answer: left.

How do Indians greet?Answer: raise your palms to your chin and shake your head in the direction of the welcome.

Name a sacred animal in India.Answer: cow.

What is the most famous and important festival of India? Answer: Diwali

What does the dot on the forehead mean?Answer: it is believed that in this place there is a “third eye”, symbolizing “hidden wisdom”.

What is a Sari?Answer: traditional clothing in India.

What is Shervani?Answer: men's clothing for the wedding ceremony.

Why is Vitthala Temple called the Music Temple?Answer: the inner halls of the temple are decorated with figures of musicians, dancers, and the temple itself sounds.

III . Conclusion.

Lesson analysis.

Our lesson has come to an end.

Look at the colors that we have in our hall and choose the color of your mood.

What was new for you in class?

What was already known?

What would you like to change?

To conclude our lesson, let's say goodbye in Indian.

See you

Phir milege

Goodbye

Namaste, Alvida!

Many thanks!

Sub kuch ke lie dhanyavad!

Well done! this lesson ends.

India - fabulous and alluring

India is mysterious and fabulous, unusual and alluring with its fabulousness and singularity. This country was created by the heavens themselves, by the Buddha himself for spiritual well-being and relaxation. There are not only historical sights here, but places that are absolutely unusual in their climate, where it is good not only to relax, but also to improve and strengthen your health. Resorts in India are very popular. So, you need to go to this fabulous country not only for interesting impressions, but also for physical and mental balance.

To paraphrase a well-known expression, we can say that India has everything. And thanks to this “everything”, India has been and remains an attractive pearl for thousands of years, for the possession of which the European powers and European civilization have been fighting for many centuries.

Thanks to India, America was discovered, because Christopher Columbus went across the ocean in search of another way to India, and ran into the West Indies, that is, America.

The Age of the Greats began with the search for ways to India. Geographical Discoveries. The Portuguese, Dutch and British fought among themselves for those places. Invaders and colonizers were attracted to India primarily by spices, gold, jewelry, and silk. But they took out from India not only these goods. Through them, the world learned about a unique system of mind and body care called yoga. Many non-traditional methods of treatment and healing of the body came from India.

Europeans began to travel to India, among other things, to maintain and improve their health, because in these places there are and have been preserved oases to improve the health of the body and gain peace of mind. Everyone has heard the word Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a worldview, a knowledge of life and a medical system like no other. And people from all over the world come to India not only to have a pleasant rest, not only to gain new impressions, but also to improve their health in these fabulous places. Resorts of India, such places as Goa, Kerala, Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras) attract people from all over the world with both exotic and non-traditional methods of treatment .. If you have the opportunity, be sure to visit India. And you will want to visit here again and again!

from. one
India is a fabulous country.

India is a country of magic and mystery, dazzling beauty and exotic charm; a country where centuries converge, and modernity is intertwined with antiquity;
a country where hospitality is a tradition, and development is the goal of life!
Beauty beyond description and comparison.
Civilization is as old as history itself.
India is an iridescent mosaic of peoples, different religions and cultures, lush vegetation and deserts, rivers and mountains, modernity and centuries-old traditions.

The first trip to India is like being born again in an unfamiliar environment and starting to learn new rules of life and learn about the world around you again. India is good because it is endless, it can be absorbed endlessly from the first trip to the last breath. It accepts and dissolves in itself everything that comes from outside, changes people and cultures to suit its energy and rhythms, and at the same time remains unchanged.

India is always unexpected, it is impossible to prepare for it, no matter what we hear about it - reality anticipates all stories.

India is a magical country! Wishes come true in India! The ones you wished for at sunset and the ones you asked for in the Shiva temple. And even, perhaps, those that you thought of just like that, for example, accidentally biting off the tail from the hottest pepper, mistaking it for a pea pod!

Be careful what you wish for, it might come true!
So our journey began. Descending from the plane, we find ourselves in the capital of India -Delhi, one of the largest and most colorful cities in the world, combining the splendor of temples.

We will visit the grandiose, magnificent temple complex Akshardham.

Vrindavan- the place where he spentearly years of Krishna. city ​​of five thousand temples. Not everyone can get here. Vrindavan is highest planet in the spiritual world, it is considered the highest because it is here that Sri Radha and Krishna, the original source of all other incarnations, all aspects of the Absolute Truth, eternally perform the most confidential pastime. Everything in Vrndavana is conscious. Krishna fulfills desires, gives every being in Vrindavan an unlimited ability to understand why we have come to this earth.

We will make a pilgrimage - Parikrama - this is when you go around some Holy place paying respect to this land.
Important to understand that a pilgrimage is not an excursion. We do not inspect temples and Deities. THIS GODS ARE LOOKING AT US!!! Vrindavan cannot be understood with the mind! You just have to believe in Vrindavan!!!

Parikrama brings great benefit to a person, getting into a beautiful fairy tale with fairy-tale heroes Radha and Krishna. After all, the most important thing is Love and true Love cannot be learned from books or by performing any rituals. Only a living soul, filled to the brim with this innermost feeling, is able to convey the whole essence, and if there is dirt in our heart, we notice it outside.

The scriptures say that the land of Vrindavana is sacred and walking on it with bare feet, we are cleansed of many sins.

AGRA- the capital of the Mughal Empire and the pearl of India. A lot of real "wonders of the world" are concentrated here - the famous white marble mausoleum of the Taj Mahal.

Jaipur

The beautiful city of Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. "Pink City".

It got its name due to the abundant use of pink stone in architecture.

Jaipur is famous throughout the world for its colorful fabrics, jewelry, precious stones and gems.

“India holds many amazing secrets and mysteries. Five thousand years ago, the greatest sage in the universe composed " The Book of Life, which describes the fate of all those living on Earth or only those who can benefit the Earth.

In the desert of Rajasthan, in a special vault is the "Book of Life" these sacred records have survived to this day in the most abandoned and inaccessible areas. If your time has come, the universe will open up for you, and you will be able to find in the common vault, that sheet on which your individual destiny is written.

Our journey ends at Sariska Tiger Reserve, located in the AreaAlvara. Although there are not many tigers left in the region, the reserve does not cease to attract tourists. Along with other species of big cats such as leopards and jungle cats, other wild animals live in the Sariska Reserve, including the striped hyena, golden jackal, four-horned antelope, wild boar, deer, monkeys, birds and reptiles.

During our entire journey, you will learn what the purpose of a woman and a man is. What should you do in life or what should you devote yourself to. Cognitive lectures, yoga classes, as well as spiritual practices rituals
The cost of the entire tour is $950 (includes accommodation, meals, travel around India, visits to temples and places of power, training). Separately paid tickets to Delhi and back + visa

India in every respect can be considered one of the most interesting countries for traveling. Almost all of us in childhood read The Jungle Book written by R. Kipling, so many have formed their own image of India - fabulous and beautiful.

Certainly, real life in this country is far from that described in the book, however, the image created in the children's imagination is so strong that it cannot be dispelled even after a hundredth visit to India. Holidays in India

As a rule, to the question, “Is it worth buying tours to India?” - most tourists will answer in the affirmative. And as soon as they are given such an opportunity, they are happy to go to the country of their childhood dreams. Moreover, rarely anyone who has been to India does not dream of going there again. Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Bombay - as a rule, these destinations are very popular.

So, Jaipur is the capital of the largest Indian state by area. This city is both a large modern metropolis and ancient city cherishing its history. the best way local sightseeing is walking tour along the old streets. In addition, Jaipur is a major shopping mall, so many people come to this city for the purpose of shopping. Here you can buy unique jewelry with stones, colorful fabrics, ceramics and, of course, the famous Indian tea.

Holidays in Goa

It must be said that most tourists begin to get acquainted with India from its most "non-Indian" state - Goa. This part of the country was once a Portuguese colony, so local traditions, architecture and even language have significant differences from the rest of the territory, which was a colony of Britain. Today, tours to Goa are very popular, thanks to the picturesque nature of the island, great beaches and the special atmosphere of goodwill and freedom that reigns in local resorts.

Conditionally resort area divided into two parts. Respectable hotels are concentrated in the north of the state, where respectable guests rest. South part- more democratic, there are many inexpensive bars and restaurants. In addition, there are special beaches where those who come to relax "savage" can pitch tents. As a rule, youth companies prefer holidays in the south of the state. Here it is customary to have fun until the morning at discos and various parties.

• What were the distinguishing features of Indian and Chinese society?

§ 26.1. India - a land of fabulous wealth

In fairy tales and legends, India was portrayed as a country of untold riches, and foreigners who found themselves in the country were convinced of this. The main sources of India's wealth were its nature, favorable for the development of agriculture, and the tireless work of farmers and artisans. The peasants, reclaiming the land from the jungle and irrigating it, twice a year received high yields of cereals, spices, and fruits.

The country was rich in minerals, including precious stones. The artisans of India were distinguished by their craftsmanship, they were able to make fabrics as thin as cobwebs. There was a brisk trade in the cities, there were always many foreign merchants. In the 15th century, the Russian merchant Afanasy Nikitin visited India; his description of his journey is a valuable source on the history of the country.

Mother and child. Sculpture VIII-IX centuries.

Protected almost on all sides by sea, jungle and highest mountains world - the Himalayas, India only from the northwest was relatively accessible.

The main land trade routes passed in this direction, and enemies attacked from here.

In the 5th-6th centuries, nomadic invasions destroyed the powerful state of the Guptas. After that, India remained fragmented for a long time. The emerging states headed by princes - rajas fought with each other, sometimes strengthened, but quickly disintegrated. All this did not affect the lives of ordinary people so much. This was partly due to the special role of the community. In India, it was often distinguished by its large size and complex structure, uniting the inhabitants of an entire region. Communities built and repaired irrigation canals, organized the life of their members, and, if necessary, self-defense.

Dancing Shiva. Statuette XII-XIII centuries.

Since ancient times, Indian society has been divided into four varnas: Brahmin priests, warriors, farmers (together with artisans and merchants) and dependent people - "servants". Outside this division were "untouchables".

Later, a more fractional division into castes appeared, and often for Indians it was more important to belong to a caste than to Varna. A caste was any group of people engaged in one type of activity and separating themselves from other castes. Membership in a caste was inherited, usually its members entered into marriages with each other.

Temple of the Sun God in Konark. Fragment. 13th century

Some castes arose as a result of the allocation of new professions, others - in the course of accession to various Indian states of formerly independent tribes. Together, the castes formed a complex hierarchical structure. Their number changed. Now there are at least three thousand castes in India.

As a rule, wealth corresponded to a high caste position, and poverty corresponded to a low one. The caste system affirmed the "naturalness" of inequality and the necessity of castes for each other.

In the course of their conquests, the Arabs conquered northern part India. At the beginning of the 13th century, a Muslim state arose here with its capital in Delhi - the Delhi Sultanate. Sultans subjugated to their power most India. In the middle of the XIII century, the Mongols attacked the sultanate more than once, but they could not capture it. However, at the end of the 14th century, the new conqueror, Timur, ravaged Delhi, killed and took hundreds of thousands of people into captivity. As a result, the country was fragmented. The Sultanate now included only the territory around Delhi, and in 1526 was captured by conquerors who invaded from the north.