Ancient Indian Civilization
Where did Ancient Indian civilization begin?
Along the Indus River.
Who was Siddhartha?
A prince who later became Buddha.
Who continued to spread Buddha’s philosophy after his death?
His followers.
Why do you think Siddhartha chose to leave his privileged life?
He wanted to find a way to stop human suffering
What idea about life and death did people in India start to believe?
The idea of rebirth (reincarnation).
When did large cities start appearing along the Indus River?
By 2000 BC.
When was Siddhartha born?
In the 400s BC.
Who was Asoka?
A powerful king who ruled India
Why do you think Asoka changed his mind about war?
He was shocked by the pain and death he saw during his battles.
Who belonged to the most powerful caste?
The priests.
Who invaded India around 1500 BC?
The Aryans.
What kind of life was Siddhartha born into?
A privileged (wealthy) life
When did Asoka try to conquer all of India?
In 270 BC.
In your opinion, why did Buddhism become more popular in China than in India after Asoka’s death?
In India, Hinduism remained strong, but in China, people were open to new ideas that fit their culture.
Can you name the four castes mentioned?
Priests, warriors and kings, farmers and traders, poor workers.
Where did the Aryans come from?
From the area north of the Black Sea.
What did Siddhartha do when he was 29 years old?
He left his palace to become a wandering monk.
Why did Asoka become a Buddhist?
He felt guilty after seeing the death and suffering he caused
What might have happened to Buddhism if Asoka had not supported it?
It might have stayed small and not spread widely across Asia
What does 'Buddha' mean?
Enlightened Person.
What did the Aryans do after conquering most of India?
They created new kingdoms along the Ganges River
How long did Siddhartha sit under a tree and think?
For six years.
How did Asoka use his power to spread Buddhism?
He supported and promoted Buddhist teachings across India and central Asia.
Which civilization became interested in Buddha’s teachings?
The Chinese civilization along the Yellow River.
What happened to Buddhism in India after the fall of Asoka’s empire?
It became less popular; many Indians returned to Hinduism.