Download Ancient India

Ancient India
Be able to label: Brahmaputra, Ganges & Indus Rivers, Deccan Plateau, Thar Desert,
Himalayan Mountains, Eastern & Western Ghats & the Hindu Kush Mountains
What is Mohenjodaro and where it is located?
What is India’s first major religion?
Be able to explain:
Dharma
Karma
Samsara
Brahman
Early Hindu writings are known as the Vedas. They are written in the ancient language
of Sanskrit. Veda means knowledge or wisdom.
How has Hinduism shaped Indian life?
Caste System – What is it? What are the four main social classes?
What are Untouchables?
Prince Siddhartha discovered truths that form the basis of Buddhism, India’s 2nd major
religion. He was born wealthy, discovered suffering & death, became an
______________ (a person who gives up worldly pleasure), chose the “middle way”
instead, bathed in a river & meditated and then reached enlightenment which is
called____________. This happiness comes from the knowledge of the deep truths. The
4 noble truths are 1. All life is___________, 2. Suffering is caused by
________________(desires & wants), 3. The way to end suffering is to _________
______ cravings, 4. The way to give up cravings is to follow the
8 fold path which tells the right way to live (be able to explain these ways).
Buddhism is different from Hinduism – it is not based on complicated rituals & beliefs
in many___________. It is based on simple teachings. It embraced all people regardless
of its caste. Both believe in _________________
King Ashoka – part of the ________________Empire which was the first to
____________India. He kept India united through wise edicts that
promoted______________, g_________ w__________, j_________, and s___________.
Gupta Empire – This was considered the ___________ Age in India. These leaders
divided the empire into smaller provinces and then gave each of these local areas a
great deal of independence. The Gupta’s ruling strategy helped them stay in power for
nearly 230 years. During this time of peace and prosperity they built universities and
encouraged_______, ______________, _______________, & engineering.