Ancient Hinduism and Judaism: Vocabulary Flashcards

A vocabulary set covering key terms related to the Aryans, Hinduism (caste, deities, key texts), and Judaism from the provided notes.

Aryans

Indo-European group that migrated into the Indian subcontinent, establishing the Vedic Age and developing Sanskrit.

Sanskrit

Ancient Indo-Aryan language of the Vedic texts and classical Hindu literature.

Vedic Age (1500-500 BCE)

Period when the Vedas were composed; foundation of Hindu beliefs and the early caste system.

Rig Veda

The oldest of the Vedas; a collection of hymns central to early Hinduism.

Mahabharata

Epic poem about dynastic struggle; contains the Bhagavad Gita and is one of India's great epics.

Bhagavad Gita

A 700-verse portion of the Mahabharata presenting a discussion on duty and righteousness.

Ramayana

Ancient epic about Prince Rama and his wife Sita; emphasizes dharma and virtuous living.

Caste system

Social stratification in Hindu society with hierarchical varnas and later jatis.

Brahmin

Priests and scholars; the highest caste in Hindu society.

Kshatriya

Rulers and warriors; the second caste in the Hindu social order.

Vaishya

Merchants, landowners, and artisans; the third caste.

Shudra

Servants or laborers; the fourth caste in the traditional system.

Untouchables

Lowest group outside the caste system (Dalits); associated with polluting tasks.

Upanishads

Philosophical Hindu texts (around 400 BCE) exploring Brahman, Atman, karma, dharma, and moksha.

Brahman

The supreme, universal spirit; the ultimate reality in Hindu belief.

Atman

The inner self or soul; believed to be part of Brahman.

Reincarnation

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

Moksha

Liberation from the cycle of rebirth; attainment of ultimate understanding.

Karma

Moral law of cause and effect; actions influence future rebirths.

Dharma

Duties and obligations, especially those appropriate to one's caste and role.

Trimurti

Three major Hindu gods: Brahman (creator), Vishnu (preserver), Shiva (destroyer).

Vishnu

Preserver god in Hinduism; maintains order and harmony.

Shiva

Destroyer god in Hinduism; represents dissolution and transformation.

Patriarchal society

A social system in which men hold primary power and authority.

Judaism

Monotheistic religion of the Hebrews/Jews.

Hebrews/Jews

People who practice Judaism; traditionally traced to Abraham and Yahweh.

Abraham

Patriarch around 2000 BCE who established a covenant with Yahweh.

Yahweh

God of Judaism; the chosen people’s deity who maintains a personal relationship with believers.

Torah

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible; core laws and narratives of Judaism.

Talmud

Rabbinic writings elaborating on Torah law and expanding legal/ethical guidance.

Covenant

Divine agreement between Yahweh and the Jewish people (and Abraham) with promises and duties.

Monotheism

Belief in a single, all-powerful God.