Unit 2 Study Guide: Ancient India
I.
Religions:
1. Hinduism:
What are the 5 basic beliefs of Hinduism?
___Deities, Brahman, Karma, Dharma, and Samara are the 5 basic beliefs of
Hinduism. _____________________________________________________
Dharma stands for law, obligation, and duty. What does Varna dharma mean?
__Varna dharma is the law, obligation, and duty of one’s caste (class)
What event does Diwali celebrate?
_Diwali celebrates the Hindu New Year. It symbolizes good winning over evil.
What is reincarnation?
_Reincarnation is the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
How does one get out of the cycle of reincarnation?
_To get out of the cycle of reincarnation, one must have good karma and become
one with Brahman through study and good deeds.
Number each member of the caste system 1-5 (1 shows highest on the caste
system and 5 shows the lowest).
_4__ Shudras
_3__ Vaishyas
_1__ Brahmins
_5__ Untouchables
_2__ Kshatriyas
2. Buddhism:
The Four Noble Truths are the basis for Buddhism that the Buddha discovered
after reaching nirvana. Read through the list below. Which one is NOT part of the
Buddha’s 4 Noble Truths?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Suffering is present in all things.
The way to give up cravings is to treat yourself to what you desire.
Suffering is caused by cravings.
You must follow the Eightfold Path.
Match the Buddha’s Eightfold Path to the description that best explains each step.
1. Right understanding
c.
2. Right purpose
e.
3. Right speech
g.
4. Right action
a.
5. Right way to earn a living
d.
6. Right effort
h.
7. Right mindfulness
f.
8. Right concentration
b.
a) Do not kill, steal, or lie. Be
honest.
b) Focus your mind with practices
such as meditation.
c) Develop a deep understanding
of the Four Noble Truths.
d) Do not work at a job that
causes harm to people or living
creatures.
e) Live a life of selflessness, love,
and nonviolence.
f) Be aware of but not attached
to your emotions, thoughts,
and feelings.
g) Be careful and truthful in what
you say. Do not lie or gossip.
h) Promote good actions and
prevent evil actions.
II.
People to Know:
Ashoka
d.
Brahman
i.
Buddha
b.
Siddhartha
g.
Brahmins
h.
Kshatriyas
c.
Vaishyas
f.
Shudras
e.
Untouchables
a.
a. Bottom of the Hindu caste system,
these people do the dirty jobs in
society.
b. Enlightened one
c. Warrior and ruling class in the
Hindu caste system
d. Ruler during Mauryan Empire,
ruled with Buddhist principles
e. Servants in the Hindu caste
system
f. Herders and merchants in the
Hindu caste system
g. Became the Buddha after giving
up all worldly possessions and
reaching enlightenment by
meditating under a tree.
h. Priests and religious scholars in
the Hindu caste system
i. Supreme power, or a divine force
that is greater than all the other
deities. Only He exists forever.
III.
Places to Know: Be able to locate and label each place on a map for the
test.
Physical Features Map:
A. Deccan Plateau
B. Brahmaputra
River
C. Hindu Kush
Mountains
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
Eastern Ghats
Western Ghats
Ganges River
Himalaya
Mountains
H.
G.
B.
I.
F.
A.
E.
D.
H. Indus River
I. Thar Desert
World Map:
India
China
Nepal
Mohenjodaro
IV.
Short Answer Questions: Answer Using COMPLETE SENTENCES. Make
sure to use evidence from our studies of Ancient India to answer your
questions.
1. Explain: Why does India’s geographic features make it a good place to settle?
(Think about the types of things people need to survive.)
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2. Archeologists have found many artifacts at Mohenjodaro, including weights,
scales, and bits of grain. What do these objects tell us about life in
Mohenjodaro?
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3. What is karma and how does it relate to the Hindu caste system?
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4. Path to Enlightenment- How does one reach enlightenment according to
Buddhism?
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5. Battle of Kilinga- Why was this battle so important to the spread of Buddhism?
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Terms to Know:
Edicts
Unify
Caste
Dharma
Vedas
Deities
Karma
Samsara
Mandala
Reincarnation
Mauryan Empire
Citadel
Ascetic
Four Noble Truths
Eightfold Path
Nirvana
Buddha
Provinces
Gupta Empire
Golden age