Geography & Harappan Civilization
India is called this because it has its own distinct geography separated by mountains and water.
What is a subcontinent?
The Vedic Age is named after these sacred texts passed down orally.
What are the Vedas?
Hinduism has no single one of these, unlike Christianity, Islam, or Buddhism.
What is a founder?
The founder of Buddhism, originally named this before becoming the “Enlightened One.”
Who is Siddhartha Gautama?
The Gupta Empire is often called this type of age due to major advances in science, math, and culture.
What is a golden age?
These seasonal winds bring most of India’s rain but can cause floods or droughts if unpredictable.
What are monsoons?
The Indo-Aryans migrated into India from this region around 1500 BCE.
What is Central Asia?
The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism.
What is samsara?
The Buddha taught that suffering is caused by this and attachment.
What is desire (or craving)?
This Gupta astronomer proposed that the Earth rotates on its axis and explained eclipses scientifically.
Who is Aryabhata?
Two natural barriers that helped protect ancient India
What are the Himalaya Mountains and the Indian Ocean? (or Hindu Kush, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal)
In early Vedic society, this animal was a major measure of wealth.
What is cattle?
Actions and their consequences that affect future lives (and rebirth).
What is karma?
The four teachings that explain suffering and how to end it.
What are the Four Noble Truths?
The ancient Indian medical system focused on balance, herbs, hygiene, and surgery.
What is Ayurveda?
The Harappan Civilization is also known by this name.
What is the Indus Valley Civilization?
The four main social divisions in Vedic society (varnas) – name any two and their roles.
What are Brahmins (priests/teachers), Kshatriyas (warriors/rulers), Vaishyas (traders/farmers), Shudras (laborers)?
Liberation from the cycle of rebirth – the ultimate goal of Hinduism.
What is moksha?
The practical guide to ethical living, right thought, and meditation that leads to the end of suffering.
What is the Eightfold Path?
This surgeon from ancient India performed complex surgeries and is known for early plastic/reconstructive techniques.
Who is Sushruta?
Two advanced features of Harappan city planning that show strong organization and sanitation priority (name both).
What are grid-pattern streets and advanced drainage systems? (or baked/standardized bricks, wells, indoor bathrooms)
This Hindu belief means moral duty based on your role in society, and following it creates good karma.
What is dharma?
All Hindu gods and goddesses are considered aspects of this one universal spirit.
What is Brahman?
The Buddhist goal of perfect peace and freedom from suffering and rebirth – “blowing out” desire.
What is nirvana?
This mathematical invention from ancient India revolutionized calculations worldwide and spread to the Islamic world and Europe.
What is zero (and the decimal place-value system)?