Gupta + Mauryan Empires Flashcards
What is reincarnation?
The action of the cycle of life, death, rebirth repeating.
What is samsara?
The name of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
What is the goal of escaping samsara in Hinduism and Buddhism?
Moksha (Hinduism) or Nirvana (Buddhism).
What is the Vedic Period?
The period from 1500-500 BCE marked by the development of Indo-Aryan society and the composition of The Vedas.
What major developments did the Aryans bring to India?
The caste system and Hinduism.
Who founded the Mauryan Empire?
Chandragupta Maurya around 325 BCE.
What did Chandragupta Maurya achieve?
He united most of Northern India under a strong centralized government.
What did Chandragupta Maurya do in 297 BCE?
He gave up his position as king to become a Jainist monk.
Who founded Buddhism?
Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha.
What is Jainism?
A religion founded in India in the 6th century B.C.E. that teaches salvation through perfection and non-injury to living creatures.
What are the ascetic vows in Jainism?
Monks and nuns must renounce all relations and possessions, practice celibacy, and follow a strict vegetarian diet.
Who was King Ashoka?
An important Mauryan ruler who converted to Buddhism and spread its teachings.
What did Ashoka build to honor the Buddha?
Many stupas and public works like hospitals and roads.
What are some accomplishments of the Mauryan Empire?
First dynasty to unite the Indian subcontinent, built public infrastructure, developed a complex government, and spread Hindu beliefs.
How did Buddhism spread?
Through missionaries and trade routes, leading to the division into Mahayana and Theravada branches.
