South Asia terms 1 & 2

Subcontinent

A large land mass that jets out from a continent.

Plateau

Raised area of land

Monsoon

A seasonal winds that influence weather

Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro

Twin capitals of the civilization or cities that ruled the area after one another

Veneration

A type of belief

Acculturation

Blending of two or more cultures.

Vedas

A collection of hymns chance, rituals instructions, and other religious teachings.

Rajah

Leaders of Aryan tribes/skilled leader

Indra

God of war

Brahman

A single spiritual power that exists beyond the many gods of the vedas and the reason for in all things.

Mystic

People who seek direct communion with divine.

Atman

some view it as being the same as Brahman and others, as being of the same nature as Brahman but still different from brahman

Moksha

Union with Brahman

Reincarnation

Rebirth of a soul in another bodily form

Karma

Refers to both action and result

Dharma

The religious and moral duties of an individual

Ahimsa

Nonviolence

Castes

Social groups into which people are born, and which can rarely be changed

Siddhartha Gautama

A reformer who founded Buddhism

The four Noble truths

All life is suffering, pain and sorrow. The cause of suffering is rooted in the evil such as greed, desire, and hatred. The only cure for suffering is to overcome desire and hatred. The way to overcome desire and other evils is to follow the eightfold path.

Eightfold path

Right views, right intentions, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration

Nirvana

Union with the universe and release from the cycle of rebirth

Sect

Subgroup

Aryn social structure origins

The system began during the early Vedic period. At first, it was somewhat flexible and based on a person’s job or skills. Overtime it became tied to birth and religion, especially through the sacred text like Vedas.

Aryn social structure classifications

Society was divided into four main groups, called varnas: Brahmins – priests and teachers (highest status) Kshatriyas – warriors and rulers Vaishyas – merchants and farmers Shudras – laborers and servants

Aryn social structure development

The system became rigid and based on birth rather than ability. Although it evolved into a complex caste system, its influence can still be seen in India today.

What are the Vedas

The vedas our collection of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, that include hymns prayers, rituals, and teachings used by priest in the Vedic period

What are the Mahabharata

The Mahabharata is an ancient epic that tells the story of a great war between two families the Pandavas and Kauravas and includes important teachings about duty, morality, and life.

What are the Ramayana

The Ramayana is an ancient Indian story about Prince Rama rescuing his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana teaching lessons about duty and good behavior.

How did the vedas Mahabharata and the Ramayana shaped and reinforced aryn culture over thousands of years

They shaped culture by teaching moral values, religious rituals, and shared stories that connected people and kept their traditions alive over thousands of years.

what is the Hindu concept of moksha

Moksha is the Hindu concept of liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). It is achieved when a person realizes their true self (atman) and its unity with the ultimate reality (Brahman). Moksha brings eternal peace and freedom from worldly desires and suffering.

How did Buddhism spread across northern India and across Asia

Buddhism spread across northern India and into Asia through the efforts of missionaries like Emperor Ashoka, who promoted it widely, along with trade routes and the establishment of monasteries that helped spread Buddhist teachings and practices.

What are the two main branch branches of Buddhism

The two main branches of Buddhism are Theravada and Mahayana. Theravada focuses on individual enlightenment and is practiced mainly in Southeast Asia, while Mahayana emphasizes helping others achieve enlightenment and is popular in East Asia.