India Test

Karma

The idea that a person's actions (good or bad) affect their future lives.

Dharma

The duties, responsibilities, and moral laws a person must follow in life.

Reincarnation

The belief that the soul is reborn into a new body after death.

Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama)

The founder of Buddhism who achieved enlightenment and taught the path to end suffering.

Dravidians

The people who originally lived in southern India before the Aryans arrived.

Aryans

Nomadic people from Central Asia who migrated to India and influenced its culture and religion.

Nomad

A person who moves from place to place instead of living in one permanent home.

Yoga

A spiritual and physical practice that promotes discipline, meditation, and connection with the divine.

Monsoon

A seasonal wind that brings heavy rain, important for farming in India.

Patriarchal

A social system in which men hold primary power and influence over women and society.

Caste System

A social hierarchy in India with groups ranked from highest to lowest

Brahmins (priest)

1

Kshatriyas (warriors)

2

Vaishyas (merchants/farmers)

3

Shudras (laborers)

4

Untouchables (Dalits)

5 outside the systems

Brahma

Hindu god known as the creator of the universe.

Vishnu

Hindu god known as the preserver, maintains balance in the world.

Shiva

Hindu god known as the destroyer, brings transformation and renewal.

4 noble truths

Life has suffering (Dukkha)

Suffering is caused by desire

There is an end to suffering

The way to end suffering is the Eightfold Path

8 fold path

The Buddhist guide to end suffering: right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration.

Indus River

A major river in India; fertile land around it helped early civilizations grow.

Ganges River

A sacred river in India; important for religion, farming, and culture.

Deccan Plateau

A large plateau in southern India between the Eastern and Western Ghats.

Himalayas

The world’s highest mountain range; protects India from northern invasions and influences climate.

Founder of Hinduism vs. Buddhism

Hinduism has no single founder; it developed over thousands of years. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha).

Belief in God(s)

Hinduism is polytheistic (many gods like Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva). Buddhism is generally non-theistic; Buddha is not a god

Ultimate Goal

Hinduism: Moksha – liberation from the cycle of reincarnation.

Buddhism: Nirvana – end of suffering and cycle of rebirth.

Karma and Reincarnation

Both religions believe in karma and reincarnation. Actions in this life affect future lives.

Caste System

Hinduism includes the caste system to organize society. Buddhism rejects the caste system.

dharma

In Hinduism, dharma is duty based on social class and life stage. In Buddhism, dharma refers to the teachings of the Buddha.

Rituals and Practices

Hinduism: Rituals, worship (puja), and yoga.

Buddhism: Meditation, following the Eightfold Path, mindfulness.

Concept of Suffering

Hinduism: Suffering is part of karma and the cycle of rebirth.

Buddhism: Suffering is central; life is suffering (Dukkha) and can be ended by following the Eightfold Path.

Sacred Texts

Hinduism: Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita.

Buddhism: Tripitaka (Pali Canon) and other Buddhist scriptures.