World geo midterm

Maurya Empire

Indian empire founded by Chandragupta Maurya that controlled most of northern and central India and reached its height under Ashoka the Great.

Hinduism

The oldest and most widely practiced religion in India, based on beliefs in karma, dharma, reincarnation, and liberation (moksha).

Buddhism

A religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama that focuses on ending suffering through enlightenment.

Sangha

The Buddhist community of monks and nuns who follow and preserve the Buddha's teachings.

Dhamma

The universal moral law; the teachings of the Buddha and Ashoka's code of nonviolence, tolerance, and compassion.

Stupa

A dome-shaped Buddhist shrine used for meditation and to hold sacred relics.

Reincarnation

The belief that the soul is reborn after death in a continuous cycle.

Nirvana

The Buddhist state of enlightenment that ends suffering and rebirth.

Ashoka's Edicts

Messages carved on rocks and pillars that promoted moral behavior, tolerance, and nonviolence across the empire.

Ashoka the Great

Mauryan emperor who converted to Buddhism after the Kalinga War and ruled using moral leadership and nonviolence.

Chanakya

Adviser to Chandragupta Maurya and author of the Arthashastra, a guide to political power and governance.

Chandragupta Maurya

Founder of the Maurya Empire who unified much of the Indian subcontinent.

Bindusara

Son of Chandragupta Maurya and father of Ashoka the Great.

The Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama, a prince who became enlightened under the Bodhi Tree and taught a path to end suffering.

Taxila

A city and center of learning that often rebelled against Mauryan rule.

Pataliputra

Capital city of the Maurya Empire.

Kalinga

A kingdom conquered by Ashoka; the violence of this war led to his conversion to Buddhism.

Indus River

Major river that supported early civilizations in South Asia.

Ganges River

Sacred river in India that supports agriculture and large populations.

Sri Lanka

Island south of India where Ashoka helped spread Buddhism.

Himalayas

Massive mountain range forming India's northern border.

Four Noble Truths

The Buddha's teachings that explain suffering, its cause, and how to end it.

Eightfold Path

The Buddhist path of right behavior, thought, and meditation that leads to nirvana.

Karma

The belief that a person's actions affect their future lives.

Dharma

Moral duty or responsibility in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Moksha

Liberation from the cycle of reincarnation in Hinduism.

Kalinga War

The bloody war that caused Ashoka to reject violence and adopt Buddhism.