Study the chart of the caste system that developed in ancient Indian society. Then answer the questions that follow.
Today, five countries make up the Indian _________, which is separated from the rest of Asia by the Himalaya.
Strong seasonal winds called shape India’s climate.
The Ramayana is an example of an _________.
Ancient Indians had a social hierarchy that developed into a rigid _________.
Hindus believe in _________, which means that when a person dies, his or her soul is reborn in another body.
According to Hindu teachings, _________ is the practice of breathing exercises as a path to spiritual insight.
The totality of the Buddha’s teachings are known as the _________, or divine law.
Buddhists believe that the Eightfold Path leads to the end of suffering, or _________.
How did geographic features contribute to the development of the Harappan civilization?
In what way were the cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa signs of an advanced civilization?
Who were the Vedic people?
How did Hinduism develop in India?
What did Siddhartha Gautama achieve?
How did Asoka spread Buddhism?
In what ways was the reign of Chandra Gupta II a golden age?
What Hindu beliefs and values still deeply influence people’s behavior in India today?
What geographic factors led to the development of great civilizations in ancient India?
What did early Indus River Valley civilizations have in common with other ancient river valley civilizations?
How important were the contributions of ancient India to the fields of science and mathematics? Support your evaluation with evidence from the chapter.
How are Hindu and Buddhist beliefs similar? How are they different?
What do you think were Asoka’s two greatest leadership qualities? Support your opinion with evidence from the chapter.
To which caste do you think most ancient Indians belonged?
Which caste do you think was the smallest? Why do you think this was so?
In the passage, the Buddha is telling his followers how to act. What is his message?