Hinduism
How is moksha achieved?
Through good karma. Good karma is achieved through fulfilling dharma.
What is the goal of Buddhism?
To achieve Nirvana
Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire?
Chandragupta Maurya
What challenge did the Gupta Empire face?
Problems with drought
Who were the Aryans?
Travelers who brought caste system to Indus Valley. Wrote the Vedas, sacred books to Hindus.
Who is Brahman? What were his three parts?
The World Soul
Brahma the creator
Vishnu the protector
Shiva the destroyer
What are avatars? Who is the ninth avatar?
Embodiments of God
9th avatar is Buddha, founder of Buddhism
Why did the Mauryan Empire fall?
Asoka dies with no successor
How did the Gupta Empire deal with drought?
Water taxed, irrigation systems built
Define reincarnation.
The rebirth of an individual or spirit over and over again until freed of it.
What is the difference between karma and dharma?
Karma - Deeds or actions that affect your future life
Dharma - Right conduct, carrying out one's duty
What did Siddhartha discover when he left his palace?
Old age, pain, death
How did Chandragupta manage his empire?
Spied on his people
How did Chandra Gupta come into power?
Married into a royal family
Define moksha and samsara.
Moksha - Freedom from Samsara
Samsara - The cycle of life, death, and rebirth
What are two influential pieces of literature for Hinduism?
The Vedas, the Upanishads
What are the Four Noble Truths?
Life is inevitably filled with sorrow & suffering
Selfish desires are the cause of suffering
Ending desires would end suffering
To overcome desires, follow Eightfold Path
What did Asoka build that improved the Mauryan Empire?
Roads for trade and travel
What advancements did Chandra Gupta II bring to the Gupta Empire?
Arts, science, religious thought
Define patriarchal.
The type of family where the eldest man runs the household
What are the five levels of the caste system, and what are their roles?
Brahman - Priests, scholars
Kshatriyas - Rulers, warriors
Vaishyas - Merchants, traders, farmers
Shudras - Laborers
Untouchables - Outcasts, people with "unclean" careers
How did Siddharta become Buddha and found Buddhism?
Prophecy that if he stayed at home, would become powerful leader, and if he left, would become great spiritual leader. Ran away from home, meditated for 49 days, came up with the Four Noble Truths, the foundation of Buddhism.
How was the Mauryan Empire established?
Chandragupta Maurya killed king of Nanda and claimed throne
Describe Asoka as a ruler.
Initially violent, waging war to expand the empire. Reflects on his actions and converts to Buddhism, becoming a peaceful and tolerant ruler.
Describe Indus Valley (At least three facts).
Rivers (Indus and Ganges) fuel economy, monsoons cause storms, floods, unpredictable weather, and droughts, towns followed a grid system, sewage systems, written language with symbols, followed a theocracy (government based on religious rules), traded gold, silver, and cotton