Hinduism
Buddhism
Mauryan Empire
Gupta Empire
Definitions
100

How is moksha achieved?

Through good karma. Good karma is achieved through fulfilling dharma.

100

What is the goal of Buddhism?

To achieve Nirvana

100

Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire?

Chandragupta Maurya

100

What challenge did the Gupta Empire face?

Problems with drought

100

Who were the Aryans?

Travelers who brought caste system to Indus Valley. Wrote the Vedas, sacred books to Hindus.

200

Who is Brahman? What were his three parts?

The World Soul

Brahma the creator

Vishnu the protector

Shiva the destroyer

200

What are avatars? Who is the ninth avatar?

Embodiments of God

9th avatar is Buddha, founder of Buddhism

200

Why did the Mauryan Empire fall?

Asoka dies with no successor

200

How did the Gupta Empire deal with drought?

Water taxed, irrigation systems built

200

Define reincarnation.

The rebirth of an individual or spirit over and over again until freed of it.

300

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

300

What did Siddhartha discover when he left his palace? 

Old age, pain, death

300

How did Chandragupta manage his empire?

Spied on his people

300

How did Chandra Gupta come into power?

Married into a royal family

300

Define moksha and samsara.

Moksha - Freedom from Samsara

Samsara - The cycle of life, death, and rebirth

400

What are two influential pieces of literature for Hinduism?

The Vedas, the Upanishads

400

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



400

What did Asoka build that improved the Mauryan Empire?

Roads for trade and travel

400

What advancements did Chandra Gupta II bring to the Gupta Empire?

Arts, science, religious thought

400

Define patriarchal.

The type of family where the eldest man runs the household

500

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

500

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.

500

How was the Mauryan Empire established?

Chandragupta Maurya killed king of Nanda and claimed throne

500

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.

500

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

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