Social Study India Power Words

Reincarnation

The belief that a person’s soul is reborn in a different form after death.

Karma

The idea that a person’s actions will determine what their next life will be when they are reborn.

Dharma

Divine law that requires people to do their duty, with more expectations from higher caste members.

Buddhism

A religion that appeared in Northern India and rivaled Hinduism, based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.

Nirvana

Achieving wisdom, ultimate reality, and reuniting with the great warrior soul.

Caste System

The social hierarchy of ancient India divided into different social classes, with Brahmins at the top.

Brahmin

The top position in the social hierarchy of ancient India, usually in charge of religious ceremonies.

Kshatriya

The warrior and military elite in the caste system.

Vaishya

Members of the caste system mostly involved in trade, merchants, and agriculture.

Shudra

The largest population of Indians who worked in farming or manual labor, with limited rights.

Dalit

The lowest level of Indian society, performing the lowest tasks and treated inhumanely.

Jati

The term meaning 'brought into existence,' which refers to one's birth and caste position.

Siddhartha Gautama

Known as the Buddha and the Enlightened One, he renounced his royal life to seek the true meaning of life.

Nirvana (Buddhism)

The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing enlightenment and release from the cycle of rebirth.

Hinduism

A major religion of India that includes beliefs in dharma, karma, and a pantheon of gods.

Gods in Hinduism

Many deities that are worshipped within the beliefs and practices of Hinduism.

Reincarnation (commonality)

Both Hinduism and Buddhism believe in the cycle of rebirth.

Caste System (Hinduism)

A social stratification system integral to Hindu society, with many hierarchal levels.

Enduring Impacts of Ancient India

Contributions including advances in astronomy, urban planning, and the development of writing systems.

Sanskrit

The ancient writing system of India used by the Aryans for record-keeping.

Decimal System

A numerical system using a base-10 structure that included place values and zeros.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another, significant in ancient India's trade.