Chapter 5 Section 1

Question 1

Subcontinent

Answer 1

A large landmass that is smaller than a continent. Usually separated from the rest of the continent by physical features like mountains or water

Question 2

Monsoons

Answer 2

Seasonal wind patterns that cause wet and dry seasons

In the summer, monsoon winds blow from the Indian Ocean causing heavy rains and flooding.
In the winter, winds blow down from the mountains causing warm, dry winters

Question 3

Harappan Civilization
2300BC - 1700BC

Answer 3

Developed in the Indus River Valley and Sarasvati River
Very little is known about it
Developed India’s first writing system. But we don’t know how to read it

Lived in big cities (Mohenjo Daro and Harappa) which were next to a fortress
Very advanced tools, pottery, clothing, jewelry and indoor plumbing
Developed a system of weights and measures

Question 4

Aryan Civilization

Answer 4

First arrived in India in the 2000’s BC
Lived in small communities based on family ties and did not have big cities
Villages were governed by Rajas - ruled a village and the land around it

Question 5

Vedas

Answer 5

Religious writings of the Aryan civilization
Collections of poems, hymns, myths, and rituals written by the priests

Question 6

Sanskrit

Answer 6

The most important language of Ancient India
The Aryan poems and hymns were written in Sanskrit

Question 7

Himalayas

Answer 7

The highest mountains in the world

Found in northern India

Hindu Kush Mountains - found to the west

Question 8

Deccan Plateau

Answer 8

Large plateau on the heart of India