Ch. 5: India Vocabulary

Vedas

Sacred literature of the Aryans that left a picture of Aryan life; influenced later Hindu texts.

Sanskrit

An ancient language of India that was used to write down the Vedas.

subcontinent

The landmass that includes Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh which is separated from the rest of the Asian continent by high mountain ranges.

monsoon

Seasonal winds that blow dry air across the region in winter and bring very wet weather in the summer months. These dominate India's climate.

reincarnation

The rebirth of a soul again and again until moksha is achieved.

Karma

In Hinduism, good or bad deeds that follow an individual from one reincarnation to another.

caste system

A form of social stratification based on family and birth; develops from the original varna system.

dharma (Hinduism)

In Hinduism, the code of behavior or duty which governs a person's life.

Siddhartha Gautama

The prince who is said to have founded Buddhism.

Chandragupta Maurya

Founder of Mauryan dynasty; established first empire in Indian subcontinent; first centralized government since Harappan civilization.

Asoka

Grandson of Chandragupta Maurya; most honored emperor for his commitment to spreading peace and prosperity to all; he was Buddhist but accepted other religions. He was known for his edicts and pillars.

epic poem

a long, narrative poem that is usually about heroic deeds and events that are significant to the culture of the poet

nirvana

a condition of great peace or happiness

planned city

a city built with a specific layout in mind

yoga

a system of exercises practiced as part of the Hindu discipline to promote control of the body and mind

golden age

period of great cultural achievement

inoculation

injecting a person with a small dose of a virus to help build up defenses to a disease