Geography and Environment
What is the religious significance of the Ganges River in Hinduism?
It is a sacred river in Hinduism.
During which time frame did the Gupta Empire rule parts of India?
The Gupta Empire ruled from 320-550 CE.
According to Siddhartha Gautama, what must people do to end suffering?
People must follow the Middle Way, which means "giving up desire and following the Eightfold Path."
How did Chandragupta II achieve a vast empire besides military expansion?
He pursued "favorable military alliances" with the help of "advisors and diplomats."
What specific advancements in mathematics were made during the Gupta period?
Advancements included "the concept of zero," "the use of negative numbers," and "the use of decimal points."
How did the Himalayan Mountains influence the interaction between India and China?
They acted as a "natural barrier separating India from China," which limited travel and invasion.
What features of the Harappan Civilization's urban planning suggest it was advanced?
They had "grid streets, drainage systems, and indoor plumbing."
In Hinduism, what is the belief that one's actions in this life affect their next life?
This is the belief in Karma.
What roles did women of lower castes perform to contribute to the family and empire's income?
They contributed by "providing agricultural labor, weaving textiles, and providing support to their merchant husbands."
Which writer from the Gupta Empire is often called "the Shakespeare of India"?
A writer named Kalidasa was given this title.
What environmental disaster is associated with the Aral Sea, and what caused it?
The Aral Sea has shrunk drastically, which is an environmental disaster caused by the "overuse of rivers for irrigation."
How was Harappan society organized compared to other ancient cultures ruled by powerful kings?
The society was "organized and equal, not ruled by powerful kings."
What does the Hindu concept of Dharma require a person to do?
It requires a person to "Do your duty based on your varna (social class or role)."
What is a requirement for artists and scientists to be able to focus on their scholarly pursuits during a golden age?
They need "someone to pay them for it," usually wealthy families or governments.
According to Kautilya, what is the effect when a king punishes people justly?
The people will try to be good and work to create wealth and enjoyment.”
What type of lifestyle is common in the Steppes region, and why?
The population is sparse because the land is "flat, dry, and good for herding animals like horses, sheep, and goats."
What is an edict, and which emperor used them to promote moral behavior?
An edict is a "public command or law made by a ruler." Emperor Ashoka created Rock Edicts.
What is the "Middle Way" as taught by the Buddha?
It is the teaching that "avoiding extremes leads to enlightenment."
How did the Gupta government earn money from the land it owned?
It "earned money from the mines and land it owned."
What was Emperor Ashoka's main focus in his Rock Edicts?
His focus was on "Compassion, peace, and welfare for all."
What is the primary function of the Indus River for farming in dry regions of Pakistan?
It "provides irrigation for crops in otherwise dry regions."
What were the dates of Chandragupta II's rule, a period often referred to as the Golden Age of India?
His rule spanned from 375-415 CE.
What is Brahman in Hindu belief?
It is the "Universal spirit that connects all life."
What do the unearthed coins from the Gupta Empire suggest about the government's power?
They demonstrate the government’s "control and support for trade in the economy" and their power to mass produce currency.
What facilitated the trade on the Silk Roads between the Roman, Han, and Gupta Empires?
The "stability of the Roman, Han, and Gupta Empires" encouraged this trade.