Hinduism
How did Hinduism start?
Hinduism began with ideas from the Aryans who migrated into ancient India. Their traditions blended with the beliefs of the people already living there over time.
Where did the caste system come from?
It came from early Hindu ideas brought by the Aryans who divided society by roles and responsibilities.
Who was the Buddha? What did he learn?
The Buddha was Siddhartha Gautama. He learned how to overcome suffering and reach enlightenment through meditation.
What did they change about math?
Ancient Indians created the Hindu-Arabic numeral system and the number zero, which made math easier and more accurate.
Why were monsoons important to ancient farmers?
They brought heavy rain for crops.
What is Moksha?
Moksha is freedom from the cycle of reincarnation. It is the ultimate goal in Hinduism, where the soul reaches peace and unity with the universe.
What is the highest caste? What would a member of that caste do every day?
The highest caste was the Brahmins. They taught religion, performed rituals, and studied sacred texts.
Why did Siddhartha Gautama leave his royal life?
He left his royal life after seeing suffering and wanting to understand how to end it.
How did someone become a doctor in Ancient India?
They studied medical texts like Ayurveda and trained with experienced doctors.
What natural feature protected ancient India from invasions?
The Himalayan Mountains
What is Dharma?
Dharma means a person’s duty or the right way to live. Following dharma helps keep balance and order in the world.
What role did the Vaishyas play in society?
Vaishyas worked as merchants, landowners, and traders who supported the economy.
What are the Four Noble Truths?
They teach that suffering exists, it has causes, it can end, and the Eightfold Path helps end suffering.
What kinds of treatments or advice did doctors give patients?
They used plant medicines, set broken bones, performed surgery, stitched wounds, and advised cleanliness.
What are the Vedas?
Sacred Hindu texts
What is Karma?
Karma is the belief that a person's actions affect their future and next life.
What are people outside the caste system called? What would they do every day?
They were called Dalits. They did difficult and dirty jobs that others avoided.
What is the Eightfold Path?
It is a guide for living wisely, honestly, kindly, and mindfully to overcome suffering.
Why was cleanliness important in ancient Indian medicine?
Cleanliness was encouraged to prevent illness.
What does reincarnation help the soul do?
Learn and improve
How does karma affect reincarnation?
Karma affects reincarnation because a person’s actions help determine what their next life will be like.
Why were people unable to change their caste?
People could not change their caste because they were born into it for life.
How was Buddhism different from Hinduism in social structure?
Buddhism offered an alternative to the caste system and allowed people from all backgrounds to seek spiritual improvement.
How did the guru-shishya tradition help students learn?
It helped students learn by allowing them to live with and learn directly from a teacher.
What did Vaishyas bring to the marketplace?
Crops and goods