Chapter 3

Question 1

The highest Hindu social class members in India after the Epic Age were usually the
A.  Shudras (workers).
B.  Vaisayas (merchants, herders).
C.  Kshatriya (warriors, herders).
D.  Brahmans (priests, scholars).

Answer 1

D. Brahmans (priests, scholars).

Question 2

A central message of the Bhagavad Gita is that
A. the only pathway to salvation is meditation.
B. a soul can be destroyed by human action.
C. upward mobility into higher castes was a vital social goal.
D. one must carry out the duties that come with one’s caste.

Answer 2

D. one must carry out the duties that come with one’s caste.

Question 3

A major difference between Buddhism and Hinduism was that
A. Buddhism denied the need for castes, rites, and sacrifice to achieve nirvana.
B. Buddhist monks married in splendor, most Hindu priests remained unmarried.
C. Buddhism denied the possibility of human rebirth or reincarnation.
D. Hinduism taught respect for all living things to be the point of rejecting the killing of all animals.

Answer 3

A. Buddhism denied the need for castes, rites, and sacrifice to achieve nirvana.

Question 4

Buddhism spread primarily as a result of
A. the appeal of its flawless performance of intricate rites.
B. it monastic community and related missionary activity.
C. the support of the Gupta rulers.
D. successful wars against Brahman-backed political opponents.

Answer 4

B. it monastic community and related missionary activity.

Question 5

Buddhism lost its appeal and influence in Guptan India in part because
A. Hinduism showed its adaptability by emphasizing its mystical side, thus retaining the loyalties of many Indians.
B. unpopular Guptas supported Buddhism, which led to Buddhism’s decline.
C. Islam was introduced and replaced both Hinduism and Buddhism.
D. Hindus abandoned the caste system, making Hinduism more attractive.

Answer 5

A. Hinduism showed its adaptability by emphasizing its mystical side, thus retaining the loyalties of many Indians.

Question 6

During the classical era in India, all of the following occurred EXCEPT
A. the invasion of Alexander the Great prevented contacts with the Mediterranean world.
B. spherical shrines to Buddha, called stupas, were erected.
C. the concept of zero was invented.
D. sculpture and painting emphasized religious themes.

Answer 6

A. the invasion of Alexander the Great prevented contacts with the Mediterranean world.

Question 7

Over time in classical India, the caste system
A. died out as Buddhism spread throughout India.
B. intensified in complexity and began to different from region to region.
C. lost its religious significance.
D. removed restrictions on gender.

Answer 7

B. intensified in complexity and began to different from region to region.