Review MMW Final

Indus Valley

An ancient civilization located in what is now Pakistan and northwest India, known for its advanced urban planning and architecture.

Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro

Major urban centers of the Indus Valley Civilization, known for their sophisticated layout, drainage systems, and civil engineering.

Aryan Influx

The migration of Indo-Aryan peoples into India, which significantly influenced the social and cultural landscape, forming the basis of Vedic society.

Varna system

A social hierarchy in ancient India, categorizing society into four classes: Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders), and Shudras (laborers).

Four Noble Truths

The foundational principles of Buddhism that outline the nature of suffering, its causes, the possibility of cessation, and the path leading to cessation.

Siddhartha Gautama

The historical founder of Buddhism, who became known as the Buddha after attaining enlightenment.

Dharma (Buddhist meaning)

The cosmic law and order, also representing the teachings of the Buddha and the path to enlightenment.

Agni

The Hindu god of fire and an important deity in Vedic rituals, symbolizing purity and the transformative power of fire.

Socrates

A classical Greek philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy, known for his Socratic method of questioning.

The Apology

A Socratic dialogue that presents Socrates' defense during his trial, where he argues for the value of questioning and moral integrity.

Nirvana

In Buddhism, a transcendent state free from suffering, desire, and the cycle of birth and rebirth.

The Middle Path

The Buddhist teaching that advocates for a balanced approach to spiritual development, avoiding extremes of indulgence and asceticism.

The Iliad

An ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer, depicting the events of the Trojan War and the hero Achilles.

The Boulê

The council of 500 in ancient Athens that prepared matters to be decided by the General Assembly, playing a key role in the democratic process.

Demagoguery

Political actions or rhetoric appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than using rational argument, often seen in ancient Greek politics.

Heart Sutra

A key text in Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the concept of emptiness (shunyata) and the nature of reality.

Sunyata (Emptiness)

A central concept in Buddhist philosophy, indicating that all phenomena are devoid of intrinsic existence and are interdependent.

Dravidians

An ancient ethnolinguistic group in southern India, believed to have established major urban settlements prior to the arrival of the Indo-Aryans.

Soma

A sacred ritual drink in Vedic tradition, often associated with immortality and associated with the god Indra.

The Great Bath

A large water tank at Mohenjo-Daro, thought to be used for ritual bathing and possibly for cleansing in the Indus Valley Civilization.

Mahaprajapati

The aunt and foster mother of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the first nun in Buddhism and played a pivotal role in the inclusion of women in the monastic community.

Eightfold Noble Path

The path leading to the cessation of suffering in Buddhism, consisting of: Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.

Bodhisattva

In Mahayana Buddhism, a being who seeks enlightenment not only for themselves but also for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Pericles

A prominent and influential statesman in ancient Athens, known for advancing democracy and leading during the Golden Age of Athens.

Trireme

A type of ancient ship that was fast and agile, used by the Greek navy, particularly in battles like Salamis.

Chunda's meal offering

An episode in the life of the Buddha highlighting the importance of accepting offerings and the teachings on renunciation.

Rig Vedas

A collection of hymns and religious texts that are among the oldest sacred literature of Hinduism, forming a key part of the Vedic tradition.

Mara

In Buddhism, the demon representing temptation and desire who tried to obstruct Siddhartha Gautama from achieving enlightenment.

Lingams

Symbolic representations of Shiva in Hinduism, often associated with fertility and divine energy.

Symbolism of the bull

In ancient Indian culture, the bull symbolizes strength, fertility, and is associated with various deities within the Vedic tradition.

The Myth of Purusha

A Vedic story explaining the origins of creation and the caste system, depicting the cosmic man from whose body all of existence arose.