Simplified Hinduism Flashcards
What is the word used to identify the 4 main social classes described in the Vedas?
Varnas
What are jatis?
Social groups that determine jobs
Along which two physical features did the earliest civilizations in India develop?
Indus River and Thar Desert
(In the far desert)
Which city was one of the earliest in the Indus River Valley?
Mohenjo Daro
(its weird but remember, More hens Joe! Dora)
What is Sanskrit?
ancient Indian language
The belief that a person’ soul is reborn into a new body after death is
reincarnation
Hindus believe in a supreme power called ________.
Brahman
The Hindu belief that one has a duty to live an honorable life is
dharma
Hindus believe in a continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth called…
samsara
The _____________ are a collection of ancient sacred writings
Vedas
The __________ system is a rigid class structure in India that developed out of the Vedas.
Caste
Vedic religion called for the division of society into four main social classes. What were these classes called and who belonged to them? (in order)
- Brahmins = priests,
- Kshatriyas = rulers & warriors,
- Vaishyas = herders & merchants,
- Shudras = servants, farmers, & laborers
Hinduism is polytheistic. What does that mean?
Hindus believe in multiple gods and goddesses that control the universe.
If a young woman is helping a man learn to read in rural India, which Hindu belief is she following?
She is following her dharma by performing her duties and living in an honorable way.
Why do many Indians make pilgrimages to the Ganges River?
To visit the holy sites along the river and purify themselves in its waters
What popular physical activity has origins in Hindu ideas and practice?
Yoga
In order to end the cycle of rebirth, one must reach ___________.
Moksha
(remember: milkshake)
What is the system that is a class society and is a way to become closer to god?
Caste
In which country did Hinduism originate?
India
Who was the founder of Hinduism?
No real founder
The material actions resulting from the consequences of previous actions is called… (hint: what comes around goes around)
Karma
Who are the Brahmins?
Priests
Who are the Kshatriyas?
rulers & warriors
Who are the Vaishyas?
herders & merchants
Who are the Shudras?
servants, farmers, & laborers
Who is 1st on the caste system?
Brahmins
Who is 2nd on the caste system?
Kshatriyas
Who is 3rd on the caste system?
Vaishyas
Who is 4th on the caste system?
Shudras
