Chapter 4 Short Answer Whist Final

What does the archeological evidence at sites such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa tell us about the nature of life in the ancient Indus River valley?

Archaeologists have found the remnants of large, carefully constructed walls and the cities that the enclosed. The evidence tells us that a sewage canal ran from each house to a larger canal in the street that carried off household waste. Also, small statues of gods and goddesses, almost always the same size and posture, were frequently found in the house foundations.

In what ways was Hinduism able to address the spiritual needs of its followers and seem to provide solutions to larger metaphysical or cosmic questions?

Hinduism was able to address the spiritual needs of its followers in many ways. For example, the more educated people gradually became alienated from this ritual formalism and sought other explanations from the mystery of human fate that allowed them to experience the divine in ways that met their personal spiritual yearnings in more satisfying ways.

How were Ashoka and Buddha influential in the spread of Indian Culture?

Ashoka and Buddha were very influential in the spread of Indian Culture. When the ruler Ashoka converted to Buddhism, it placed his country in the center of the arenas of continents that were the best for trade. It also created a mutual tolerance between him and these other nations. He and his Buddhist advisors spread the religion through trade on the Indian Ocean. Buddha was influential in the spread of Buddhism because on his journey to find the meaning of life, he taught his teachings to disciples, who spread them throughout Asia.

What role did caste play in ancient Indian society? What advantages/disadvantages did it bring? Explain, with examples.

In ancient Indian society, caste system played a role in the interactions between people and daily life. People were born into certain caste systems, and could not get out of it. The caste system people were born in dicated aspects of daily life. Each caste had specific duties and jobs to perform for the society. High castes had little to no contact or interaction with lower castes, and no one talked to the untouchables. Some disadvantages to the caste system is that it restricted any form of change, particularly social change. This is because after someone was born into a specific caste, it was impossible to climb the ladder or get out of what you were born into. Because of this, most of the power was limited to being solely in the upper castes. The upper caste individuals were perfectly ok with leaving society run exactly the same for many years, making it a highly immobile society. Some advantages were that the caste systems created tight communities among people, and gave them a place in society, along with a purpose.

How did Buddhism change from the initial tenets of Siddhartha Gautama to its later Theravada and Mahayana schools?

In initial tenets of Siddhartha Gautama were very different then Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. One way is that the heart of Buddha's message is that suffering and loss in this life are caused by the desire of an illusory power and happiness. In Theravada Buddhism, teachings were stricter. It emphasizes life in a monastery for both men and women and takes a rigorous approach to what a good person who seeks nirvana must believe. In Mahayana Buddhism, it is much more liberal in its beliefs, viewing the doctrines of Buddha as a sort of initial step rather than as the ultimate word.

In what way(s) were Buddhism and Jainism a reaction to caste restrictions? Explain, with examples.

In modern India, the Jains compromised a small number of high-caste people representing perhaps 2 percent of the total Indian population. All Buddhists-male and female, were able to discover the Four Noble Truths and follow the Eightfold Path. No one was excluded because of caste restrictions or poverty.

How did the Aryan people influence the development of civilization in northern India?

The Aryan people influenced the development of civilization in northern India. When the Aryans invaded, the occupied the Indus and Ganges river valleys. They also were the first nomadic horse-breeding people to occupy Asia, enhancing the development of society. They also created many impressive iron and bronze weaponry. Along with their enhancements to battle, they introduced rice cultivation from the east, which was supplemented by pepper and spices which helped with the societies diets. They never conquered the southern part of India, which is probably why today the regions are so different from each other.

How did the Laws of Manu act as an instrument of social control from the high castes of India?

The Laws of Manu were the cornerstone of Hindu tradition opinion on the rights and duties of sexes, of family members, and of castes. The laws had more revealing attitudes towards the lower castes and of women. To the high castes, the laws controlled who you could marry, how many days you could work, along with many rules regarding how the higher casted women could live their lives. Along with all of these social controls, the Laws of Manu acted as a barrier between the interactions of the higher and lower castes of ancient India.

What was the significance of the melding of Hinduism and caste for the development of Indian society? What positives and/or negatives resulted? Explain, with examples.

The melding of Hinduism and the caste system played a significant role in the development of Indian society because it helped form some of the many ancient Indian religions that are still relevant today. Some positives that resulted were that it led to people becoming more educated. Each caste had a specific role in the religion of Hinduism that led them to becoming educated in that task or point of interest. A disadvantage to the melding of Hinduism and caste is that each caste solely took part in one aspect of the religion, leading to many castes becoming alienated and not as relevant in society because of the role they play in religion.