Geography
What were the major cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, and what was life like in these cities?
Major cities of the Indus Valley Civilization include Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Life in these cities was likely centered around agriculture, trade, and possibly centralized government.
How did ancient Indian achievements in mathematics, science, and medicine influence later societies? List 1 and explain why it was important.
Ancient Indian achievements in mathematics include the concept of zero, the decimal system, and the invention of algebra and trigonometry. In science and medicine, ancient Indians made contributions in fields such as astronomy, Ayurveda (traditional medicine), and surgery.
In Hinduism, a person’s duty to do what is right is called...
Dharma.
According to the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism, what must be overcome to end suffering?
All selfish desires
The strength of the Maurya empire depended on which of the following?
The power and authority of the ruler
Most historians think that Indo-Aryan culture spread through India by...
Gradual mixing
The lowest __________, or social grouping based on skill, identified in the Vedas was the __________.
varna; Sudras
Who were the major gods and goddesses in ancient Indian religion? List at least 2.
Major gods and goddesses in ancient Indian religion include Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi.
Which of the following statements about modern Buddhism is accurate?
A Buddhism is still widely practiced in India. B Few Buddhists live in Asia. C Most Buddhists live in monasteries. D More than two million Buddhists live in the United States.
More than two million Buddhists live in the United States.
What is the correct order of cultures and empires in ancient India?
Indus, Vedic, Maurya, Gupta
Scholars believe that Indus Valley people used granaries to...
Store surplus crops.
What were the achievements and contributions of the Maurya and Gupta empires?
Achievements of the Maurya and Gupta empires include the establishment of centralized governments, advancements in mathematics and astronomy, and the spread of religious and philosophical ideas.
What are the key beliefs of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism?
Key beliefs of Hinduism include karma, dharma, reincarnation, and the pursuit of moksha. Buddhism emphasizes the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to achieve enlightenment. Jainism focuses on non-violence (ahimsa) and spiritual purification.
What is the main focus of Mahayana Buddhists?
Buddha’s compassion
What two things did the Indian scientist Aryabhata discover?
The motion of the Earth and the moon causes eclipses & The moon shines because it reflects sunlight.
Why do scholars believe that the Indus Valley had a highly developed civilization?
Its cities show a high level of planning.
What roles did men and women play in ancient Indian society?
Men typically held positions of authority in ancient Indian society, while women's roles varied depending on social class and region. Women were responsible for domestic duties and child-rearing but could also participate in religious and economic activities.
Read the following excerpt from the Bhagavad Gita. “For the soul there is neither birth nor death at any time. He has not come into being, does not come into being, and will not come into being. He is unborn, eternal [unending], ever-existing and primeval [ancient and original]. He is not slain [killed] when the body is slain.” What central part of Hinduism does this quote illustrate?
Reincarnation
Where did Buddhism spread to after followers of the religion lessened in India?
Ancient China
A popular form of literature during the Gupta empire was the fable, which was...
A short story with a moral at the end.
What geographical features influenced the development of ancient Indian civilizations?
The geography of ancient India was characterized by features such as the Himalayan Mountains in the north, the Indus and Ganges Rivers, and the Deccan Plateau. These features provided fertile land for agriculture, facilitated trade routes, and influenced the climate and settlement patterns.
What were the different social classes in ancient India, and how did the caste system function? List 4.
The social classes in ancient India were divided into four main varnas: Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (laborers). Below the varna system was the jati system, which further subdivided society based on occupation.
How did Hinduism evolve over time in ancient India?
Hinduism evolved over time through the integration of various religious beliefs and practices, including the Vedas, Upanishads, and the development of sects such as Vaishnavism and Shaivism. It was a very flexible religion!
How did the spread of religions like Buddhism and Hinduism influence other societies?
The spread of Buddhism and Hinduism influenced other societies through missionary activities, trade routes, and the patronage of rulers. Buddhist missionaries, for example, helped spread Buddhist teachings to Southeast Asia and Central Asia.
Chandra Gupta I...
A founded the Maurya empire. B conquered all of India. C was the father of Asoka. D founded the Gupta empire.
Founded the Gupta empire.