Ancient India, Hinduism, and Buddhism

Sanskrit

an ancient language of India, in which the Hindu scriptures and classical Indian epic poems are written and from which many northern Indian languages are derived.

Ganges River

A river of South Asia that flows southeast from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal; sacred to Hindus.

subcontinent

a large landmass that is smaller than a continent, such as India

Indus River

Large river that flows down from the Himalayas in Pakistan, near India.

Aryans

nomads from Europe and Asia who migrated to India and finally settled; vedas from this time suggest beginning of caste system

Untouchables

lowest class of people in the caste system of Hinduism, who performed the worst jobs in society

Brahma

One of three Hindu gods, considered the creator of the world.

Mohenjo-Daro

Indus Valley city laid out in a grid pattern. Had a complex irrigation and sewer system.

Brahmins

Priests, at the top of the caste system, in Hinduism.

monsoons

seasonal wind patterns that cause wet and dry seasons

Dharma

duties of one's caste in Hinduism

Karma

The belief that actions in this life, whether good or bad, will decide your place in the next life.

Four Noble Truths

as taught by the Buddha, the four basic beliefs that form the foundation of Buddhism. 1.All life involves suffering; 2. desire is the cause of suffering; 3. elimination of desire brings an end to suffering; 4. following the Eightfold Path brings the elimination of desire.

social mobility

Movement of individuals or groups from one position in a society to another

Caste System

Rigid social hierarchy in Hinduism, based on birth, that determined a person's occupation and position in society

Reincarnation

In Hinduism and Buddhism, the process by which a soul is reborn continuously until it achieves perfect understanding

Moksha

The Hindu concept of the spirit's 'liberation' from the endless cycle of rebirths; a state of perfection

Siddartha Gautama

Born a Hindu prince, ultimately became Buddha (enlightened one), founder of Buddhism

Nirvana

Buddhist concept of a state of spiritual perfection and enlightenment.

Eightfold Path

In Buddhism, the basic rules of behavior and belief leading to an end of suffering