Unit 4 - Classical Civilizations - East and South Asia - India

Question 1

How did Hinduism originate?

Answer 1

Cannot be traced back to one founder

Question 2

What it the Caste System in Hinduism? (6)

Answer 2

Hinduism Influenced Government and Social Structure in India:
Brahmins (Priestly Caste)
Kshatriyas (Warrior Caste)
Vaisyas (Business Caste)
Sudras (Unskilled Caste)
Untouchables

Question 3

Who is Brahman in Hinduism?

Answer 3

The Universal Spirit/God

Question 4

What is Dharma in Hinduism? (3)

Answer 4

1. Holy Duty
2. Depends on Caste
3. Ahimsa - Non - Violence

Question 5

What is Karma in Hinduism? (2)

Answer 5

1. Good or Bad Actions
2. Determines fate in next life

Question 6

What is Samsara in Hinduism?

Answer 6

Cycle of Life, Death and Rebirth/Reincarnation

Question 7

What is Moksha in Hinduism? (3)

Answer 7

1. Release from Samsara
2. Depends on Karma and Dharma
3. Soul will be Reunited with Brahman

Question 8

Who is the Founder of Buddhism?

Answer 8

Siddhartha Gautama - Buddha
Sometimes considered as a God

Question 9

What are the 4 Noble Truths?

Answer 9

1. Life is filled with suffering
2. Cause is a person’s selfish desire for temporary pleasures
3. Suffering can end by ending such desires
4. To overcome this, follow 8 - fold path

Question 10

What is the 8 - Fold Path?

Answer 10

1. Right Views
2. Right Resolve
3. Right Speech
4. Right Conduct
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration

Question 11

What is Nirvana?

Answer 11

Enlightenment achieved from 8 - Fold Path

Question 12

How did Buddhism and Hinduism get affected by their environment and spread? (3)

Answer 12

1. Located on the Silk Road
2. Traders brought Buddhism and Hinduism
3. Spreading it to Thailand China & beyond

Question 13

How did Chandragupta establish a strong central government? (4) Why was he afraid that people would kill him?

Answer 13

1. Strict Laws, Powerful Army, Torture, Spies
2. Knew he was hated due to his harshness

Question 14

How did the Battle of Kalinga have a lasting impact on Asoka and India? (2)

Answer 14

1. Converted himself to Buddhism
2. Ended wars in India and started peace
   (Note: Still used his strong army, slavery and death penalty to maintain order)

Question 15

What are the Edicts of Asoka? (3)

Answer 15

1. Proclamations on Buddhist Values
2. Distinguished right from wrong
3. Located throughout the empire

Question 16

What were the two purposes of the Edicts of Asoka? (2)

Answer 16

1. Unite people under Buddhism
2. Spread Buddhist Values

Question 17

How did the Gupta Empire experience a Golden Age? Use the 3 p’s.

Answer 17

1. No civil war
2. Significant economic growth due to trade
3. Scholars like Aryabhata contributed to astronomy (heliocentric solar system) and mathematics (decimal system and concept of 0)

Question 18

How did Hinduism influence the political and social structure of India? (2)

Answer 18

1. Created the Caste System
2. Laws were based on the dharmas of each caste

Question 19

What is a famous quote by Siddhartha Gautama? (4)

Answer 19

1. Do not Dwell on the Past
2. Do not Dream of the Future
3. Concentrate the Mind
4. On the Present Moment