Hinduism vs. Buddhism
While Hinduism uses the Varnas and Jati system, Buddhism explicitly rejects this social structure.
What is the Caste System?
Before becoming the Buddha, this prince gave up his wealth after witnessing human suffering.
Who is Siddhartha Gautama?
Chandragupta Maurya founded this empire after driving out Greek forces left behind by Alexander.
What is the Mauryan Empire?
Hinduism focuses on many forms of one God (like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva), while Buddhism has no creator god or worshipped deities.
What are Deities (or Gods)?
The ancient language used to write down sacred oral hymns and texts like the Vedas.
What is Sanskrit?
After witnessing the brutal bloodshed at the Battle of Kalinga, Emperor Ashoka converted to this religion.
What is Buddhism?
Both religions believe in rebirth, but in Hinduism the ultimate goal is Moksha, while in Buddhism it is this state of release from suffering.
What is Nirvana?
Meaning "duty," this key concept refers to fulfilling your moral obligations based on your social class.
What is Dharma?
Emperor Ashoka built these 40-foot stone monuments along roadways to spread Buddha's message.
What are the Ashoka Pillars?
While Hinduism has no single founder and developed over centuries, Buddhism was founded by this former prince.
Who is Siddhartha Gautama/Buddha
The ultimate, all-powerful spiritual force in Hinduism that unifies all living things.
What is Brahman?
This empire (c. 320–550 C.E.) oversaw a "Golden Age" of classical Indian culture, mathematics, and medicine.
What is the Gupta Empire?
While Hindu sacred texts include the Vedas and Upanishads, the core text containing Buddha’s teachings is called this.
What is the Tripitaka？
According to Buddhism's Four Noble Truths, this human emotion or craving is the root cause of all suffering.
What is Desire?
Gupta mathematician Aryabhata calculated this mathematical constant to 3.1416.
What is Pi?