Culture
History
Hinduism
Buddhism
Inventions and Trade
Important People
100
What is India's national beverage?
tea
100
Which area in/around India was first populated?
Indus River Valley Civilization was an advanced civilization from 2600 BC-1900 BC; possibly had twin capitals called Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro; well organized government; advanced architecture and trade; and even had indoor plumbing for human waste
100
What are murti?
Hindu idols - stone or wood sculptures of the gods they worship.
100
What is Buddhism?
It's a belief system that started in India in the 500s BC. Happiness can be achieved through removal of one's desires. Believers seek enlightenment and the overcoming of suffering.
100
What important commodity did Indians have that Europeans wanted so badly? Why did they want it?
Spices. Before refrigeration, rotting meat could be disguised by using a lot of spice to hide the rancidity.
100
Who are the Dravidians?
The Dravidians were one of the first groups of people in India. Today's Dravidians are probably descended from the Indus River culture that flourished at the dawn of Indian civilization over 4,000 yrs. ago. The ancient Dravidians' measure of wealth were non-animal goods that could be traded - cotton, gold, pearls, and spices.
200
How many official languages does India have?
22
200
What was the Mauryan dynasty?
The first united Indian state, founded by Chandragupta in 324 BC, after Alexander's defeat of weakened India; it lasted for more than 100 years, before it declined, and fell in 183 BC
200
How old is Hinduism and who was its founder?
Hinduism is about 5,000 years old and is founded by no single person.
200
Who founded Buddhism?
Siddhartha Gautama
200
What is Calico, and where did it originate?
a plain-woven cotton cloth usually printed with a figured pattern, usually on one side; first created in India, named after Calicut.
200
Who were the Aryans, and how did they interact with the Dravidians in the area?
Aryans were nomads from Europe and Asia who migrated to India and raged war against the Dravidians. Evidence from this time suggests they began the caste system to keep the conquered Dravidians submissive and apart from the Arayans. The Aryans' measure of wealth was cattle.
300
How many seasons does the Hindu calendar have?
6 seasons; Spring, Summer, Monsoon, Autumn, pre-Winter, and Winter
300
What was the East Indian Company, and what did it do?
An English company formed in 1600 to develop trade with the new British colonies in India and southeastern Asia. It took over and controlled most of India until the Indians rebelled.
300
What is reincarnation?
In Hinduism and Buddhism, the belief in which a soul is reborn continuously until it achieves perfect understanding
300
What does Buddha mean?
enlightened one
300
What mathematical concepts did Indians invent?
Indians invented zero, place values, a decimal numeric system, and algebra.
300
Who was Mahatma Gandhi?
He was a great revolutionary who led India to independence from Great Britain through passive resistance and civil disobedience.
400
Which religions began in India?
Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism
400
What does the term British Raj" mean?
The name for the British government's military rule of India between 1858 and 1947.
400
What animal is sacred to Hindus?
cows
400
What is Buddhist enlightenment?
A state of perfect wisdom in which one understands basic truths about the universe.
400
How did Indians benefit from the trade routes?
India was rich in resources and trader for thousands of years, it was expanded over time. After they found out about the Silk Roads that went from China to Rome, Indians made good profits by acting as middle-men. For example, Indian traders would buy items from China and sell them, at a profit, to travelers from Rome. This way, Roman travelers would not have to go all the way to China.
400
Why did Christopher Columbus sail West?
He wanted to sail west to reach Asia - specifically India. He was hoping find an easier route to India because India is known for its great spices. This is why Native Americans are sometimes called Indians. Columbus didn't realize he landed on America.
500
Who leads a traditional Indian family?
Patriarchal society (a society led by men)
500
Why was Pakistan created?
To give Hindus (India) and Muslims (East and West Pakistan) their own countries.
500
Holy book of Hindus
What are the vedas?
500
What is Nirvana?
a state of perfect peace, free of suffering 
500
What was the "Silk Road?"
It was a series of trade routes that connected China, India, and the Middle East. 
500
Who was William Carey?
known as the "Father of Modern Missions," he was a missionary to India. 