Hinduism
This ancient collection of hymns is one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism
The Vedas
This founder of Buddhism is also known as the "Enlightened One."
Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha)
This Mauryan emperor converted to Buddhism and spread its teachings.
Ashoka
This system divided Indian society into rigid social classes
Caste System
This group, at the top of the caste system, is made up of priests and scholars.
Brahmins
This cycle of birth, death, and rebirth is a key belief in Hinduism.
Reincarnation
This is the ultimate goal in Buddhism, meaning the end of suffering.
Nirvana
This type of government was used by both the Mauryan and Gupta Empires to control their vast territories.
Centralized government
This term refers to the ancient Indian script used in religious and cultural texts, especially in the early years of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Sanskrit
This group in the caste system were traditionally warriors and rulers
Kshatriyas
This cycle, consisting of birth, death, and rebirth, is a key concept in Hindu belief.
Samsara
These truths form the foundation of Buddhism's teachings about suffering.
The Four Noble Truths
This religion spread widely across Asia due to Ashoka’s efforts during the Mauryan Empire.
Buddhism
This river, considered sacred in Hinduism, is one of the longest in India and is central to many religious practices.
Ganges River
This group, outside of the caste system, was responsible for tasks considered impure.
Dalits (or Untouchables)
This term refers to a person's duty or moral order in life.
Dharma
This set of practices helps Buddhists follow a path to enlightenment.
The Eightfold Path
During Ashoka’s reign, the Mauryan Empire expanded to include most of the Indian subcontinent after this famous battle.
Battle of Kalinga
This term refers to a group of castes in ancient Indian society, each with its own duties and social roles.
This Hindu concept justifies the caste system by linking a person’s caste to their actions in a past life.
Karama
These are the three major gods of the Hindu trinity, responsible for creation, preservation, and destruction.
Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva
This term refers to a person who practices severe self-discipline and renunciation of worldly pleasures, often in the pursuit of spiritual goals.
Ascetic
This Mauryan ruler unified most of India under one empire
Chandragupta Maurya
This term refers to the subgroups within the caste system in ancient India, based on occupation and social status.
Jati
This term refers to the ultimate goal of Hinduism, where the soul is freed from the cycle of reincarnation.
Moksha