HINDUISM
VOCABULARY
GEOGRAPHY
EMPIRES OF INDIA
SOCIAL CLASSES
100
The belief in many Gods.
What is polytheistic?
100

A large area of land that is separated from other countries by land and water.

What is Subcontinent?

100
The two most important rivers of ancient Indian civilization
What are the Indus and Ganges Rivers?
100
A kingdom or dynasty which becomes very powerful and controls vast areas of land well-beyond its borders.
What is an Empire?
100
These people introduced the Caste system into the Indian sub-continent.
Who are the Aryans?
200
The cycle of birth, life, death & rebirth.
What is reincarnation?
200

The land surrounding the Indus River in Pakistan.

What is Indus River Valley?

200
The summer and winter winds which bring rains to the Indian sub-continent.
What are monsoons?
200
He was the founder of the Mauryan Empire and a harsh ruler.
Who was Chandragupta Maurya?
200
The lowest social class of the Caste System, considered to be sub-human.
Who are the Untouchables?
300
The highest spiritual level a Hindu can attain when one's soul joins with the universal spirit or "force."
What is Brahman?
300

Rainy season in certain climates in which wind blows from the southwest for six months.

What is Monsoon season?

300
The two well-planned Indus valley cities built in a grid-like design.
What are Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro?
300
The grandson of Chandragupta, he became the greatest ruler of the Mauryan Dynasty, but rejected violence after the Battle of Kalinga.
Who was Ashoka?
300
The highest social class of the Caste System.
Who are the Brahmin?
400
The collection of epic poems, hymns, prayers and songs of the Hindu faith.
What are the Vedas?
400

"Books of Knowledge" that contain much of the stories and songs of the Aryans. It is the holy book for Hindus.

What is Vedas?

400
The highest mountains in the world which are located to the north of the Indian sub-continent.
What are the Himalayas?
400
These strict laws governing the Mauryan Dynasty were displayed throughout his empire.
What were Ashoka's Pillars?
400
The second class of the Caste System, also known as the warrior caste.
Who are the Kshatriya?
500
All Hindus must engage in proper behavior which will result in positive energy.
What are dahrma and karma?
500

A set of rigid/strict social levels that determined a person's occupation and position in society; inherited.

What is Caste System?

500

This pass is located in northwestern India and was used for entry into the Indus River valley by the Aryan peoples.

What is the Khyber Pass?

500

The concept of zero, a vaccine for smallpox, plastic surgery, and other achievements ushered in a "Golden Age" for this Empire.

What were the accomplishments of the Gupta Empire?

500
The lowest social class of the Caste System, excluding the Untouchables, mostly comprised of laborers.
Who are the Sudra?
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