South Asia

Karma

Karma

In Hinduism and Buddhism, the concept that one's actions in the present life will determine their fate in future lives. It is the law of cause and effect.

Dharma

The moral and ethical duties and responsibilities in Hinduism and Buddhism that individuals must follow in order to live a righteous life.

Reincarnation

The belief in Hinduism and Buddhism that after death, the soul is reborn into a new body, based on the accumulated karma from previous lives.

Varna

In Hinduism, the four main social classes or castes: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (laborers and servants).

Caste and Caste System

A social hierarchy system in Hinduism where individuals are born into a specific caste that determines their social status, occupation, and privileges.

Subcontinent

A large landmass that is a distinct part of a larger continent. The Indian subcontinent refers to the southern region of Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

Monsoon

A seasonal wind pattern in South Asia that brings heavy rainfall during the summer months, crucial for agriculture.

Siddhartha Gautama

Also known as the Buddha, he was the founder of Buddhism and taught the path to enlightenment.

Nirvana

In Buddhism, the state of liberation and ultimate enlightenment, free from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

Monsoon Cycle

The annual pattern of alternating wet and dry seasons, characterized by the monsoon winds in South Asia.

What do Hinduism and Buddhism have in common?

Both religions originated in the Indian subcontinent and share concepts such as karma, dharma, and the cycle of reincarnation.

Where do Hindus and Buddhists disagree?

Hindus believe in the existence of a soul (Atman) while Buddhists believe in the absence of a permanent self (Anatta).

Four Noble Truths

The foundational teachings of Buddhism that describe the nature of suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the path to liberation from suffering.

Moksha

In Hinduism, the ultimate goal of liberation and union with the divine, breaking the cycle of reincarnation.

Himalayas

The world's highest mountain range, located in Asia, and considered sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Three main gods in Hinduism

Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer) are considered the three main gods in Hinduism.

Ganges River

A sacred river in Hinduism, believed to have purifying powers and worshipped as the goddess Ganga.

Vedas

The oldest and most authoritative scriptures of Hinduism, containing hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings.

Sepoy Mutiny/Rebellion

An uprising against British rule in India in 1857 by Indian soldiers serving in the British East India Company's army.

Indian National Congress

A political party in India, founded in 1885, which played a significant role in India's independence movement.

Partition of India

The division of British India into two separate countries, India and Pakistan, in 1947, leading to mass migration and communal violence.

Civil Disobedience

A nonviolent resistance strategy advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, involving the deliberate violation of unjust laws as a form of protest.

Satyagraha

A philosophy and practice of nonviolent resistance developed by Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizing truth and passive resistance against oppression.

Gandhi

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a leader of India's independence movement and an advocate of nonviolent resistance.

Amritsar Massacre

Also known as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, it was a tragic incident in 1919 where British troops fired on a crowd of unarmed Indian protesters in Amritsar, Punjab.

Sikhs

Followers of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion that originated in the Punjab region of South Asia.

Kashmir

A disputed region between India and Pakistan, known for its beautiful landscapes and ongoing political tensions.

Jawaharlal Nehru

The first Prime Minister of India, a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement, and a key figure in shaping modern India.

Dalits

Also known as "untouchables," Dalits are the lowest social caste in the traditional Indian caste system, facing social discrimination and exclusion.

Indira Gandhi

The first female Prime Minister of India, serving from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984.

Punjab

A region in South Asia divided between India and Pakistan, known for its vibrant culture, agricultural productivity, and Sikh population.

Golden Temple

The holiest shrine of Sikhism, located in Amritsar, Punjab, and known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.