Hinduism
The Brahman is the ultimate spiritual force of the universe. They worship many gods like Vishnu, Shiva, and Shakti because the Brahman is too complex to understand directly.
Why is nirvana described as freedom from rebirth and desire?
Nirvana ends craving and attachment, which stop the cycle of rebirth. Without desire, suffering no longer continues.
When was Northern India unified and who unified it?
Chandragupta Maurya in 321 B.C.
What were the 4 varnas? (briefly explain each one & list the 4 in order)
1. Brahmin (priests/teachers), 2. Kshatriya (warriors/rulers), 3. Vaishya (traders/merchants), 4. Shudra (laborers/servants).
The term that describes the essential self or soul of each individual, identical with Brahman.
Atman
Why did Siddhartha Gautama leave his life of luxury?
He left after witnessing old age, sickness, and death. These experiences made him realize that wealth and comfort could not protect people from suffering. He wanted to know the reason for this suffering.
What key political structure did Chandragupta create to govern the newly unified territories?
Chandragupta established a strong central government supported by a bureaucracy that managed the empire's functions.
What is the difference between a Varna and a Jati?
Varnas: Originally occupational, later became birth‑based.
Jati: Social and cultural, not strictly religious; even non‑Hindus could belong.
How does ahimsa influence behavior toward living beings in Hinduism?
Ahimsa teaches non-violence toward all living beings. All living things are seen as part of the Brahman, Hindus believe they deserve respect, so many try avoiding people, animals, and plants as best as they could.
What are the 4 noble truths?
Life is suffering
Suffering originates from desire, greed, and hatred.
Suffering ends by overcoming desire
The Eightfold Path leads the way to end suffering
What led Ashoka to convert to Buddhism?
A massive conquest, like the bloody Kalinga War that caused huge loss of life, prompted Ashoka to renounce violence and convert to Buddhism.
Why were Dalits considered outside the varna system?
Dalits performed jobs considered impure, such as handling waste or dead animals. Because of this, they were excluded from the four varnas and faced severe discrimination.
Why did people believe following dharma could improve their future lives?
Following dharma was believed to create good karma. Good karma could lead to a better rebirth, improving one’s position in the next life.
What are the similarities and differences between Hinduism and Buddhism?
Buddhism builds on Hindu ideas like karma, dharma, reincarnation, and ahimsa (nonviolence), but rejects Hindu gods as truly divine, Vedic priests/rituals, and offers nirvana to all seekers through personal meditation.
What type of information was inscribed on Ashoka's stone pillars
The inscriptions on them contain laws, ethical advice, and Buddhist teachings, such as principles of tolerance and non-violence.
How did the caste system create order and stability?
The caste system provided order because each Jati had it's own leaders, rules, and typical job, and different Jatis depended on each other for goods and services.
Who founded Jainism, when did they found it, and how did it emphasize strict nonviolence in everyday religious practice?
Jainism, started by Mahavira around 500 B.C., taught very strict nonviolence, meditation, self-denial, and often vegetarianism, with monks even sweeping the ground to avoid stepping on insects.
What are the two main sects of Buddhism and what is the difference between them?
Theravada: Strictly sticks closely to original teachings
Mahayana: made the path easier for ordinary people
Why did the Maurya Empire decline by 185 B.C.?
Ashoka's death around 232 B.C. led to the decline of the Maurya Empire.
List some examples of jobs the Dalits completed.
Handling dead bodies, cleaning the streets, etc.