Geography
What are the two main rivers of the Indus valley region?
The Indus River.
The Ganges River.
What are the two major Indus Valley civilizations?
Harappa and Mohenjo-daro
Who were the founders of the caste system?
The Aryans
Each level of the caste system is called a ______, and was subdivided into ______
varna
jati
Who are the dalits?
The "untouchables" or the outcastes of Indian society
Why were river floods a welcome event for early Indus valley people?
What helped grow the economy of the indus valley civilization?
Farming, trade, and domesticating animals for transportation
What are the 3 theories of migration about the Aryans?
- nomadic warriors who invaded and defeated the local people
-the original inhabitants of India.
- nomadic herders who entered and mixed with the local people and spread across India over a long period of time
How many classes was Indian society divided into during the introduction of the caste system?
Indian society was divided into 4 main classes through the Caste system.
The main reason we don't know much about the Indus civilization
What impact do monsoons have on agriculture in India? and in what season is it most crucial?
If the monsoon brings rain, crops do well. If rains come late or not at all, people go hungry.
In the summer, wet winds from the ocean blow onto the land. They bring rain, which provides water for crops and a welcome break from the heat.
Why do archealogists say that Indus valley cities were well-planned?
The cities had thick walls, sewer systems, granaries, citadels, and streets were arranged in a grid-like pattern
After settling in India, the Aryans composed the sacred hymns that described their religion and society known as the ________. In what language was it chanted?
Vedas
Sanskrit
What were limitations or barriers that each caste had to follow?
You were born into your caste (hereditary). You could not change levels. Your caste determined your job, your marriage, and even your friends.
Since _______, the Indian Constitution has forbidden discrimination.
1950
The countries of South Asia are:
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
What advancements aided trade?
Accurate weights and measures and stone seals
During the Vedic age, the Aryans moved into the Ganges Plain and took up ________. This animal was especially important because it provided food and clothing.
Farming. Cattle
What are some advantages and disadvantages to the caste system?
Adv - brought stability to Indian society. Indian goods became famous because of the specializations in each caste and it also allowed different groups to follow their own beliefs.
Dis - limited people’s individual freedom, discrimination against lower class
What does it mean to be "twice-born"?
Men in the three highest varnas experience first a physical birth and then spiritual birth after a period of religious study.
What two barriers separate the Indian subcontinent from the rest of Asia?
The Himalayan and Hindu Kush mountains
What are some possible explanations of the disappearance of the Indus Valley civilization?
Disease due to standing water in drains that spread mosquitos
Heavy flooding
Overgrazing of the land leading to starvation
Climate change
Drought
Foreign invasion
the Vedas
What are the five status groupings in Indian society and their occupations?
Brahmins - Priests
Kshatriyas - Rulers and warriors
Vaishyas - Landowners, bankers, merchants
Sudras - Farmers, laborers, servants
Why did people in the higher castes avoid physical contact with untouchables?