Hinduism Matching Terms

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Karma

A concept in Hinduism and Buddhism that describes the principle of cause and effect, where an individual's actions influence their future experiences in this life or in future lives.

Dharma

A concept in Hinduism and Buddhism that refers to the moral order of the universe and an individual's duty or righteousness.

Varna

A classification system in Hindu society that divides people into four main categories: Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders), and Shudras (laborers).

Moksha

The ultimate goal in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) and union with the divine.

Reincarnation

the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Atman

The spiritual essence or soul of an individual in Hindu philosophy, believed to be eternal and ultimately united with Brahman.

Samsara

The continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth that all living beings go through in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Sanatana Dharma

the eternal law and duty in Hinduism, encompassing righteousness and moral values.

Brahmin

A member of the highest caste in Hindu society, traditionally associated with priests and scholars responsible for religious rituals and teaching.

Kshatriya

The second Varna in the traditional Hindu social system, historically designated for warriors, rulers, and administrators whose duty was protection.

Vaishya

The third Varna, traditionally comprised of merchants, traders, and farmers responsible for commerce and economic prosperity.

Sudra

The lowest of the four Varnas, traditionally designated for laborers and servants whose primary duty was to serve the other three classes.

Dalits

A modern, self-chosen name for the historically oppressed groups who were considered "Untouchables" and fell outside of the traditional four-Varna system.

Purusha

A key philosophical concept referring to the Cosmic Man whose sacrifice, according to Vedic texts, led to the creation of the Varnas, or more generally, the Cosmic Spirit/Pure Consciousness in Hindu philosophy.

Mughal

a powerful Islamic dynasty of Central Asian origin that ruled most of the Indian subcontinent, known for immense wealth, stunning architecture (like the Taj Mahal), and rich cultural fusion.

Emperor Babur

The founder of the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent.

Emp. Abu Akbar the Great

the third and one of the most influential rulers of the Mughal Empire in India, known for expanding it significantly through military conquest and establishing a centralized, administration

Emperor Aurangzeb

The sixth and last effective Mughal emperor (1658-1707), known for the greatest territorial expansion of the empire but also for stricter Islamic policies that contributed to its decline.

Sharia

Islamic religious law derived from the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Sunnah and Hadith). It covers a wide range of topics including morals, daily practices, criminal justice, and governance.