Chapter 9, Ancient India, HOMEWORK

Subcontinent a large landmass that is smaller than a continent.

Monson seasonal wind, especially in the Indian Ocean and Southern Asia.

Raja an Indian prince.

Language family a group or similar languages.

Sanskrit the first written language of India.

Vedas ancient sacred writings or India.

Guru a teacher.

Hinduism a major religion that developed in ancient India

Brahman the universal spirit worshipped by Hindus

Reincarnation the rebirth of the soul.

Karma a force that decides that form that people will be reborn into their next lives.

Dharma a person's personal duty, based on the individual's place in society.

Buddhism a religion founded in ancient India by the religious teacher the Buddha.

Nirvana a state of perfect happiness and peace.

Jainism a religion of ancient India that does not believe in a Supreme Being. It emphasize non
evidence and respect for all living things.

Stupa a Buddhist shrine, usually done-shaped.

Pilgrim a person who travels to holy sites.

Bhagavad Gita a section of the Indian epic the Mahabharata.

2 Explaining How did natural forces and the geography of India affect the development
of civilization there?
Monsoons rough needed water to crops; fertile lands that lie to the north and along
the west and east coast encouraged settlement.

3 Locating Where did the Indus Valley civilization begin?

In the northern plains of India, near a great Indus river system.

4 Identifying How did the creation of iron tools affect the Aryans' lifestyle?
Iron tools allowed to Aryans to clear land, transforming it into farmland. Over time,
they abandoned their nomadic lifestyle and because farmers.

5 Listing List the four main social classes of ancient India, in order from most to least
powerful.
Brahmins, Kshatriyas, vaisyas, and sudras.

6 Sequencing How did the two main traditions of Buddhism spread through Asia?
Missionary work and trade spread Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism,
through Asia. Theravada moved from India to sri lanka and into southwest Asia.
Mayana spread north from India to china and then to Korea and japan.
7 Explaining Why would people in the lower jati be especially attracted to Buddhism?
The Buddha did not emphasize the jati system and taught that all people could attain
enlightenment.

8 Summarizing What are the main tenets of Jainism?

An emphasis on nonviolence and respect for all life.

9 Describing How did Ashoka's commitment to Buddhism impact the Mauryan Empire?

10 Explaining What were the reasons behind the economic prosperity of the Gupta
Empire?

11 Specifying How have the achievements of Indian mathematicians affected the

modern world?