Geography of India
Name two major rivers in ancient India.
Indus River ,Ganges River, Brahmaputra
What is karma?
The belief that actions determine one’s future)
Where were the first Indian civilizations located?
Indus River Valley
What mathematical concept did the Gupta Empire introduce?
The concept of zero
What is a religious symbol associated with Hinduism?
The Om
What are monsoons, and how do they impact India
Seasonal winds bringing rain; essential for agriculture but can cause floods
What are the Vedas?
Ancient Hindu sacred texts
Who were the Aryans, and what did they contribute to Indian society?
Indo-European nomads who introduced the Vedas and the caste system
Name one type of complex construction from Ancient India.
Temples, palaces, cities with grid layouts
How do the Indus and Ganges Rivers similar to the Nile River?
All provided fertile land and water for ancient civilizations
What mountain range separates India from the rest of Asia?
The Himalayas
Name the Four Noble Truths
Life has suffering, the cause is desire, ending desire ends suffering, follow the Eightfold Path
What is the caste system, and what role did the varnas play in it?
A social hierarchy; varnas are the four main social classes
What is one literary achievement of the Gupta Empire?
Sanskrit epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana
What makes the Indus Valley civilization unique?
Advanced city planning and lack of deciphered writing
Name one advantage and one disadvantage of the Indus River Valley’s geography.
Fertile soil and water access; flooding risk
How does the concept of Dharma relate to karma?
Dharma is the duty; fulfilling it positively affects karma
Who were the Untouchables, and why were they excluded?
People outside the caste system due to their “impure” jobs
How did the Gupta Empire contribute to astronomy?
Calculated Earth’s circumference and understood solar eclipses.
How are Hinduism and Buddhism similar?
Both believe in karma and reincarnation
What region of India is known as the “breadbasket” due to its fertile plains?
The Ganges River Plain
What is the Eightfold Path?
A Buddhist guide to end suffering and achieve enlightenment)
What is Mohenjodaro known for?
Advanced city planning, drainage systems, Great Baths
What type of government did the Gupta Empire follow?
Decentralized rule with regional governors
How did Indian geography influence trade?
Rivers and mountain passes allowed trade; monsoons facilitated maritime routes