Vocabulary
This ancient language was used to write many sacred Hindu texts.
What is Sanskrit?
The large mountain range to the north of the Indian subcontinent.
Himalaya Mountains
The group of priests, scholars, and teachers who were the highest class.
Brahmin
The supreme, ever-present power in Hindu belief that can take many forms.
Brahman (Brahma)
Label this: The high mountains forming a natural barrier between India and the rest of Asia.
Himalayan Mountains
A belief that a person's soul is reborn into a new body after death.
What is Reincarnation
The river considered sacred in Hinduism where many people travel to bathe.
Ganges River
The class made up of rulers and warriors, ranked just below the priests.
Kshatriyas
In Hindu belief, a duty or obligation to live an honorable life.
Dharma
Label this river: It flows across northern India and is sacred to many Hindus.
Ganges River
The collection of ancient texts that form the foundation of Hinduism.
The ocean to the south of India.
Indian Ocean
The class that included merchants, artisans, and farmers.
Vaishyas
In Hindu belief, each god or goddess often represents one part or quality of the supreme power. These are called _____.
Deities
Label this river: It gave its name to an ancient civilization and flows in the northwest part of the subcontinent.
Indus River
A term meaning the good and evil done in past lives affects the soul's next life.
Karma
The area where an early river valley civilization developed along the river that shares its name.
Indus River Valley
The lowest groups doing jobs no one else wanted; they were outside the main four varnas and often treated poorly.
Untouchables
The rule that the moral quality of a person's actions affects their future lives. (Two-word answer)
Karma
Label this body of water that touches southern India.
Indian Ocean
The continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hindu tradition.
Samsara
This leader promoted nonviolent protest and worked to reduce discrimination in India.
Mohandas Gandhi
The Hindu idea that people are born with skills to serve one of the general needs of society (the four-part system).
Varnas
The term for the many social groups, often based on specific jobs, that people were born into (there are thousands).
Jatis
On a map, identify the area between the Indus River and the Ganges River—this area was important for early civilizations.
Indo-Gangetic Plain (or the area between the Indus and Ganges Rivers)