Ancient India Vocabulary

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Caste System

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A Hindu social class system that controls every aspect of daily life.

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Ganges River

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Located in India, this river is considered sacred to Hindus.

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Hinduism

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A religion and philosophy developed in ancient India, characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme being.

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Gupta Empire

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Golden Age of India; ruled through central government but allowed village power; restored Hinduism.

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Mauryan Empire

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The first state to unify most of the Indian subcontinent. It was founded by Chandragupta Maurya.

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Asoka

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Third ruler of the Mauryan Empire in India (r. 270-232 B.C.E.). He converted to Buddhism.

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Aryans

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A group of Eurasian nomads who came from the Caucus Mountains to the Indian subcontinent.