Download Ancient India Study Guide

Ancient India Study Guide
Directions: Complete the study guide using your social studies folder and Holt textbook pages 144-171.
1. A large landmass that is smaller than a continent is a ___________________.
a. Subcontinent
b. Country
c. Region
2. ______________ are storms that occur regularly to create wet and dry seasons in India.
a. Himalayas
b. Monsoons
c. Silt
3. The first civilization in India developed near the __________________ due to floods and melting snows
from the mountains, which brought fertile silt.
a. Indus River
b. Brahmaputra River c. Nile River
4. The Harappans lived in ___________, while the Aryans lived in small communities ruled by _________.
a. villages: rajas
b. cities: priests
c. cities: rajas
5. The Aryans wrote their poems and hymns in _________________.
a. Sanskrit
b. Indian
c. Harappan
6. List
​ the four ​varnas in the caste system and their roles.
1.
2.Kshatriyas
3.
Merchants, Traders, Craftsmen,
4.Sudras
7. What are the 5 main beliefs of Hinduism?
a. There is one universal spirit and everything is a part of this spirit. ________________________
b. Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are an example of Hindu’s belief in ________________________
c. Hindus believe that each caste needs to fulfill their ________________________
d. People are in a caste because of the ________________ that they have collected in past lives.
e. The cycle of life, death, and rebirth is known as Samsara, or _________________________
8. Number these events in Siddhartha’s life in the correct order: _______________________________
1) becomes an ascetic
2) leaves the palace
3) has a son
4) becomes enlightenment
9. What happened after the Guptas took control of India?
a. Hinduism became more popular
b. Hinduism became less popular
c. Indians could not practice Buddhism
d. Buddhism became more popular
10. Ancient Indian scientific achievements included all of the following except for
a. Inoculation
b. The concept of zero
c. Silk production
d. Metal alloys
11. Buddhist temples called stupas were noted for their detailed carvings and
a. Indoor gardens
b. Domed roofs
c. High towers
d. Sacred texts
12. Why did many people from lower castes support the Buddha’s teachings?
a. The Buddha opposed the caste system
b. The Buddha agreed with the Brahmin rituals
c. The Buddha supported animal sacrifice
d. The Buddha worked with Hindu priests
13. The guiding principles at the heart of Buddhism are called
a. The Enlightened Path
b. The Four Noble Truths
c. Sickness, Old age, and Death
d. Life, Birth, and Rebirth
14. Answer in complete sentences​. What do Hinduism and Buddhism have in common?
15. ___________________ converted to Buddhism while he was ruler of the Mauryan Empire and swore not
to fight in anymore ______________.
16. Use this chart to identify Indian achievements in math and science. Use pages 170-171 to help you.
Metallurgy
Math
Medicine
Astronomy
17. Why do historians consider the time of the Gupta Empire a “golden age” in India? Include at least three
achievements as examples.