ancient India
Which two rivers were central to the earliest Indian civilizations?
The Indus River and Ganges River.
What mountain range forms the northern border of India?
The Himalayas.
What is the main belief about the soul being reborn in Hinduism?
Reincarnation.
Who founded Buddhism?
Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha).
What was the major ancient civilization that developed along the Indus River around 2500 BCE?
The Indus Valley Civilization.
What large river is considered sacred by many Hindus?
The Ganges River.
What system divided ancient Indian society into social groups?
The Caste System.
What does the word “Buddha” mean?
“The Enlightened One.”
What were the two major cities of the Indus Valley Civilization?
Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.
What desert lies in northwestern India?
The Thar Desert.
What is the ultimate spiritual goal in Hinduism, freedom from the cycle of rebirth?
Moksha.
What are the basic teachings of Buddhism called?
The Four Noble Truths.
What ancient Indian text is one of the oldest religious writings in the world?
The Vedas.
What seasonal wind system brings heavy rains to India?
The Monsoon.
Who are the three major gods of the Hindu Trimurti?
Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
What path guides Buddhists toward enlightenment?
The Eightfold Path.
Which emperor helped spread Buddhism across Asia after converting to the religion?
Ashoka.
What plateau covers much of southern India?
The Deccan Plateau.
What sacred river do many Hindus travel to for religious purification?
The Ganges River.
What is the final state of peace and freedom from suffering in Buddhism?
Nirvana.