Unit 2 Study Guide: Ancient and Early Medieval India

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts and details from the study guide on Ancient and Early Medieval India.

How did the geography of South Asia (India) impact its history?

India's geography protected it with natural barriers and allowed movement through passes; fertile river valleys supported agriculture and civilization, while long coastlines encouraged maritime trade.

What limits our knowledge of Harappan Civilization?

Our understanding is limited because the Harappan writing system has not been deciphered, relying heavily on archaeology for information.

How did kingdoms form during the Vedic Age?

Agricultural surplus, population growth, and iron technology led to permanent settlements; clan leaders gained power, evolving into kings and forming hereditary monarchies.

What are the four classes of the varna system?

The varna system consisted of Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors/rulers), Vaishyas (farmers and merchants), and Shudras (laborers and servants).

How is the caste system (jati) different from the varna system?

The caste system is more complex, comprising thousands of occupation-based groups that influence daily life, marriage, and social interactions.

What are the core beliefs of Hinduism?

Core beliefs of Hinduism include dharma (duty), karma (action and consequence), samsara (rebirth), atman (soul), and brahman (ultimate reality).

What did Buddhism teach?

Buddhism teaches the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and seeks liberation from suffering (nirvana).

How was the Mauryan Empire governed?

The Mauryan Empire used a centralized bureaucracy guided by the Arthashastra and shifted towards moral governance under Ashoka based on dharma.

How did India and other regions of Afro-Eurasia influence each other?

India was influenced by Persian rule and Greek invasions, while it spread Hinduism, Buddhism, mathematics, and luxury goods through trade.

Why is the Gupta period considered a classical age?

The Gupta period is a classical age due to significant achievements in science, mathematics, literature, art, and architecture, with political stability fostering cultural flourishing.

What characterized early medieval India?

Early medieval India was politically fragmented with regional kingdoms, reliance on tributary overlordship, expansion of Hindu temple construction, and distinct regional cultures.

How were Muslim states formed in India?

Muslim states formed through trade, raids, and conquest, starting in the early medieval period, leading to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.