Caste System/Ancient India

Hinduism

A religion native to India, featuring belief in many gods and reincarnation a major religious and cultural tradition of South Asia, developed from Vedic religion. A religion native to India, featuring belief in many gods and reincarnation India's first major religion The dominant religion of India

Vedas

Ancient Sanskrit writings that are the earliest sacred texts of Hinduism. a collection of ancient writings viewed as sacred knowledge by many Hindus by brahman priests. Ancient sacred writings of India. A collection of hymns, chants, ritual instructions, and other religious teachings

Harappan civilization

Ancient settlements in the Indus River Valley Beginning of this group was around 2300 BC This society had indoor plumbing, running water, and a sewage system.

Indus River

Unpredictable Flooding a large river surrounded by fertile land in modern India/Pakistan. Main river of India

Dharma

When reincarnated Dharma is the cycle of the caste system as you will reincarnate as a higher power. Ethical duty based on the divine order of reality; one of the four goals of life The teachings of the Buddha, and one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism

Enlightenment

Wisdom the action of enlightening or the state of being enlightened. the state of gaining spiritual insight and finding universal truth; the goal of Buddhists a state of perfect wisdom in which one understands basic truths about the universe

Mohenjo - Darro

an ancient Indian city along the Indus River well organized

Aryans

an indo-european people who, about 1500 BC, began to migrate into the Indian-subcontinent nomadic herders who eventually controlled much of India

meditation

focusing the mind on spiritual ideas. practice of quiet reflection to clear the mind and find inner peace the practice of using concentration to quiet and control thoughts a mental procedure that focuses attention on an external object or on a sense of awareness A form of self control in which the outside world is cut off from consciousness

fasting

going without food abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance.

Sanskirt

the Aryan written language became language of india the sacred and classical Indian language

Brahmans

top of the caste system. a member of the highest Hindu caste, that of the priesthood

Kshatriyas

warriors (who controlled the government and the army) 2nd in the caste system The warrior and aristocrat varna of the caste system. warriors and kings

reincarnation

In Hinduism and Buddhism, the process by which a soul is reborn continuously until it achieves perfect understanding

Untouchables

LOWEST LEVEL OF INDIAN SOCIETY; not considered a real part of the caste system; often given degrading jobs; their life was extremely difficult

Himalayan Mountain Range

Natural Barrier between India and Asia

subcontinent

A large area of land separated from the rest of a continent by geographic features. a large landmass that is part of a continent but still distinct from it, such as India

Siddhartha Guatama

A prince who founded Buddhism, and gave up his power to become enlightened; known as "Buddha", or "enlightened one" developed the middle way when looking for a solution to suffering

Buddhism

A religion based on the teachings of Buddha. Four Noble Truths: no one can escape sorrow, people cause their own misery because they want things they cannot have, reaching nirvana frees the soul from suffering, people can overcome ignorance and desire by following an eightfold path that leads to wisdom, enlightenment, and salvation.

dharma

Duty the fulfillment of one's social and religious duties in Hinduism The basic doctrine shared by Buddhists of all sects. The teachings of the Buddha, and one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism

Nirvana

Buddha's word for release from selfishness and pain a state of blissful peace without desire or suffering that Buddhists seek by giving up selfish desires. Union with the universe and release from the cycle of rebirth

karma

Buddhism and Hinduism, the effects that good or bad actions have on a person's soul. The moral law of cause and effect of actions; determines the nature of one's reincarnation

Asoka

Candragupta's grandson and third ruler of the Mauryan Empire in India. He was the strongest of the Mauryan emperors and extended the rule over most of India. Grandson of Chandragupta; leader who brought the Mauryan Empire to its greatest height

Candragupta Maurya

Indian military leader who first unified India and founded the Mauryan Empire. A military leader in the 320s BC that seized control of the entire northern part of India.

Caste System

Social structure in Hinduism social classes system of ancient India, born into a certain varna, which determines the job, friends, marriage partner they will have, controlling every aspect of daily life it divided Indian society into groups based on a person's birth, wealth, or occupation; a religion-based system of stratification characterized by no social mobility. 1. Brahmins (priests) 2. Kshatriyas (warriors) 3. Vaisyas (Merchants) 4. Sudras (unskilled workers) 5. Untouchables (not officially recognised) A RIGID social structure in which classes are determined by heredity.