Indus River Vocab
This is the term for a large landmass that is smaller than a continent, but still distinct due to geographical features, like India.
What is a subcontinent?
This is the fine, yellow soil that gives the Yellow River its color and fertility.
What is loess?
This river was the lifeblood of the Indus River Valley Civilization, crucial for agriculture and trade.
What is the Indus River?
The belief in cause and effect, where one's actions in this life affect their next life.
What is karma?
The continuous rise and fall of ruling families in China is referred to as this cycle.
What is the dynastic cycle?
This social system in ancient India divided people into rigid hereditary groups.
What is the caste system?
These items were used by Chinese priests to communicate with the gods and predict the future.
What are oracle bones?
This natural barrier to the north of India separates the subcontinent from the rest of Asia.
What are the Himalayas?
This important Hindu concept refers to the duties or responsibilities of an individual in their current life.
What is dharma?
This dynasty, known for its harsh rule and reliance on Legalism, began the construction of the Great Wall of China.
What is the Qin Dynasty?
In Hinduism, the belief that a soul is reborn into a new body after death, influenced by karma and dharma.
What is reincarnation?
This principle, central to ancient Chinese politics, stated that rulers must have divine approval to govern.
What is the Mandate of Heaven?
The two major rivers that supported the rise of civilization in China.
What are the Yellow River (Huang He) and the Yangtze River?
This Chinese philosophy, founded by Confucius, emphasized moral integrity and the importance of social harmony.
What is Confucianism?
Built to protect China from northern invaders, this massive structure was a key project of the Qin Dynasty.
What is the Great Wall of China?
This group of nomadic people migrated into the Indus River Valley and introduced Hinduism to the region.
Who are the Aryans?
The philosophy that emphasizes respect for elders and the importance of family in maintaining order.
What is filial piety?
This desert lies to the northwest of China and contributed to its isolation from other ancient civilizations.
What is the Gobi Desert?
This collection of sacred texts, composed in Sanskrit, contains hymns, rituals, and philosophies central to the religious life of the Aryans in ancient India.
What are the Vedas?
The Mandate of Heaven allowed a ruler to claim legitimacy as long as they had this kind of approval.
What is divine approval?
The name of one of the major cities in the Indus River Valley, known for its advanced urban planning, architecture, and mysterious disappearance.
What is Harappa?
This harsh philosophy, adopted during the Qin Dynasty, focused on strict laws and punishments to maintain control.
What is Legalism?
The seasonal winds that brought heavy rains essential for farming in the Indus River Valley.
What are the monsoons?
This philosophy, central to Chinese thought, focused on living in harmony with the natural world and following "The Way."
What is Daoism (Taoism)?
This early Chinese dynasty established the foundations for Chinese culture, including the use of oracle bones and the belief in the Mandate of Heaven.
What is the Shang Dynasty?