Ancient Indian History & Religion: Key Concepts & Civilizations

Subcontinent

A large landmass that is geographically separate from the rest of a continent, like India.

Himalayan Mtns

The world's highest mountain range, forming a natural barrier to the north of India.

Rivers

Crucial for Indian civilization; the Indus and Ganges provided fertile soil, water for irrigation, and trade routes.

Monsoon

A seasonal prevailing wind in the region, bringing heavy rain (critical for agriculture) in the summer and dry air in the winter.

Mohenjo-Daro

One of the largest and most sophisticated cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, known for its advanced urban planning.

Sanskrit

The ancient language of India, used for the sacred texts of Hinduism (the Vedas).

Aryans

Indo-European people who migrated into the Indian subcontinent around 1500 BCE; their culture and language significantly shaped Vedic society and Hinduism.

Vedic

Pertaining to the period (c. 1500-500 BCE) when the Vedas, the oldest Hindu scriptures, were composed, heavily influenced by the Aryans.

Caste system

A rigid social hierarchy in India, traditionally determined by birth, which structured society, occupations, and social interaction.

Hinduism

A major religious and cultural tradition of India, characterized by a belief in reincarnation, Dharma, and the worship of many gods (polytheism).

Brahman

In Hinduism, the ultimate, unchanging reality underlying all phenomena; the universal soul.

Vishnu

One of the principal deities of Hinduism, the Preserver of the universe.

Dharma

In Hinduism, a person's religious and moral duties or obligations; in Buddhism, the teachings of the Buddha.

Reincarnation

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

Moksha

In Hinduism, liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth (Samsara).

Meditate

To engage in mental concentration, often for a spiritual or religious purpose, essential in both Hinduism and Buddhism.

Buddhism

A religion and philosophy based on the teachings of the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), focused on eliminating suffering.

The Four Noble Truths

The fundamental principles of Buddhism: 1) Life is suffering; 2) Suffering is caused by desire; 3) Suffering can end; 4) The way to end suffering is the Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path

In Buddhism, the path to Nirvana, a set of eight practices leading to liberation from suffering. It is often called The Middle Way.

The Middle Way

The path of moderation between extremes of sensual indulgence and severe asceticism, taught by the Buddha.

Nirvana

In Buddhism, the state of perfect peace and happiness; liberation from the cycle of reincarnation (Samsara).

Chandragupta

Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Maurya Empire in the 4th century BCE.

Maurya Empire

The first major empire in India (c. 322-185 BCE), known for unifying much of the subcontinent.

Asoka

A Mauryan emperor (grandson of Chandragupta) who embraced Buddhism after a bloody conquest, known for promoting peace and religious tolerance.

Himalayan Mountains

Provided a natural barrier, offering protection from invasion from the north.

Indus and Ganges Rivers

Supported large populations and agricultural surpluses due to fertile soil and water.

Indian Ocean

Facilitated maritime trade with other regions.

Himalayan barrier

Limited contact, cultural diffusion, and trade with western and eastern Asia.

Vedic Age

Flourished due to the introduction of Sanskrit and the Vedas by the Aryans.

Polytheistic/Monistic

Belief in many gods who are often seen as manifestations of a single, ultimate reality called Brahman.

Reincarnation (Samsara)

The belief that the soul is repeatedly reborn until it achieves liberation.

Karma

The belief that a person's actions in this life determine their fate in the next life.

Vedas

The oldest and most sacred texts of Hinduism, establishing early frameworks of Hindu deities and practices.

Aryan influence

Introduced Sanskrit and the Vedas, impacting the development of Indian civilization.

Advanced urban planning

Key feature of Mohenjo-Daro, including a grid-like street plan and standardized brick sizes.

Drainage system

An elaborate feature of Mohenjo-Daro that included indoor plumbing and a 'Great Bath'.

Fortified citadel

A structure in Mohenjo-Daro serving as a ruling class or religious center.

Samsara

The endless cycle of reincarnation in Hindu belief.

Middle Way

Buddha's teaching of moderation, avoiding extremes of asceticism and indulgence.

Four Noble Truths

Core teachings of Buddhism summarizing the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation.

Dukkha

The truth of suffering; life is characterized by physical and mental suffering.

Samudaya

The truth of the cause of suffering; suffering is caused by selfish desire, craving, and attachment.

Nirodha

The truth of the end of suffering; suffering can be ended by overcoming desire.

Magga

The truth of the path to the end of suffering; the way to overcome desire is to follow the Eightfold Path.

Ahimsa

The principle of non-violence in Buddhism, emphasized by Emperor Asoka.

Kshatriyas

The warrior/ruling class in the early Vedic/Hindu social hierarchy.

Religious Tolerance

A principle promoted by Asoka's edicts, advocating acceptance of diverse beliefs.

Public Welfare

Initiatives like building roads, rest houses, and hospitals promoted by Asoka for the benefit of society.

Bodhi Tree

The tree under which Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment.

Eightfold Path

The path outlined by Buddha to end suffering, consisting of eight practices.