Unit 3 - Classical Asia

Classical Era

The period from 700/500 BCE to AD 500 that includes the study of art, literature, and traditions of civilizations.

GRAPES

An acronym for Geography, Religion/Culture, Advancements, Politics, Economy, and Society; key elements of ancient history.

Indus Valley Civilization

An ancient civilization known for its advanced urban planning, sanitation systems, and a society characterized by equality.

Aryan Migration Theory 1

The theory that Aryans migrated to India from outside, specifically from Central Asia, around 1500 BCE.

Aryan Migration Theory 2

The theory that Aryans were indigenous to India and are the original creators of the Indus Valley civilization.

Indo-Aryans

People who originated in Central Asia and migrated into India around 1500 BCE, linked to the Indo-European language group.

Vedas

Four sacred Indo-Aryan texts containing hymns, prayers, and rituals; the Rig Veda is the most important.

Caste System

A hereditary social structure in India that determines occupation, marriage, and social interactions.

Brahman

The concept in Hinduism representing the ultimate reality and cosmic power underlying all physical entities.

Reincarnation

The belief in the cyclical rebirth of an individual soul (atman) into new bodies over various life cycles.

Nirvana

In Buddhism, the state of bliss and freedom from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

Buddhism

A religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) that emphasizes the path to enlightenment and the cessation of suffering.

The Eightfold Path

Buddhism's guideline for ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom, leading to the end of suffering.

Four Noble Truths

Core principles of Buddhism that outline the nature of suffering and the path to alleviating it.

Moksha

In Hinduism, the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of rebirth and realization of one's unity with Brahman.

Dharma

An individual's duty, determined by caste and societal norms, in Hinduism.

Karma

The law of cause and effect in actions that influences the cycle of rebirth and one's future lives.