SOUTH ASIA / SOUTHEAST ASIA

Hinduism

Major South Asian religion based on dharma, karma, and the caste system.

Buddhism

Religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama focused on ending suffering through the Eightfold Path and Four Noble Truths.

Caste System

Rigid social hierarchy in India based on birth and occupation.

Sati

Ritual in which a widow immolated herself on her husband’s funeral pyre.

Delhi Sultanate

Muslim-led government that ruled parts of India (1206–1526 CE).

Khmer Empire

Powerful Southeast Asian kingdom (802–1431 CE) known for Angkor Wat and Hindu-Buddhist influence.

Bhakti movement

Hindu devotional movement emphasizing personal connection to a chosen deity.

Buddhist monasticism

Practice of monks living in religious communities devoted to Buddhist teachings.

Mahayana Buddhism

Branch of Buddhism that views the Buddha as a divine savior and emphasizes compassion.

Theravada Buddhism

Original form of Buddhism focused on monastic life and the teachings of the historical Buddha.

Angkor Wat

Massive temple complex in Cambodia originally built for Hindu worship, later used for Buddhism.

Malacca

Strategic port city in Southeast Asia that thrived on Indian Ocean trade.

Rajput

Hindu warrior class kingdoms in northern India resisting Muslim rule.

Sultan

Muslim sovereign or ruler.

Purdah

Practice of secluding women from public view in Islamic and Hindu cultures.