Chapter Two (Ancient India) Flashcards
Castes of Ancient India
1 Brahmin 2 Kshatriya 3. Vaisyas 4. Sudras 5. Untouchables (not considered part)
Aryan
An Indo-European speaking civilization that conquered the Happans and Dravidians.
Vedas
A set of four collections of hymns and religious ceremonies transmitted by memory through the centuries by Aryan priests (Hinduistic)
Asceticism
Religious self sacrifice or self mutilation. Asceticism is against the idea of “The Middle Path”
Upanishads
A set of commentaries on the Vedas complied in the sixth century B.C. encouraging asceticism
Bhuddism
The religion of “The Middle Path” said to be started by Siddartha Gautama. Advises agains asceticism
Mahabrata
An ancient Indian text about a war between cousins for control of the kingdom. A tale of moral confrontations and elucidation of the ethical precepts of dharma
Ramayana
Another ancient Indian writing about legendary ruler Rams who is banished and forced to live as a hermit. A story of the triumphs of good over evil and human passion
Asoka’s pillars
Large stone pillars erected during Asoka’s reign. They commemorated events in the life of Buddha
Dravidian
A group of Ancient Indian people who speak the Dravidian language