Chapter 15

The Vedic religion is named for the Vedas, which are

• a collection of sacred texts
• a group of people from Europe
• the three most important deities
• the temples where rituals were performed

Which of these is the best reason for someone in India to study Sanskrit?

• to read the ancient texts
• to understand road signs
• to run for political office
• to talk to ordinary people

Who were the Aryans?

• the highest caste in Indian society
• the original tribes of southern India
• a nomadic people who moved into India
• a group of scribes who recorded Indian teachings

What change marked the transition from early Vedic religion to Brahmanism?

• As the land became crowded, many people moved to the cities
• As scholars learned Sanskrit, the oral traditions were written down
• As rituals grew more complex, a special class arose to perform them
• As different groups moved into India, their gods became part of the religion

In the caste system, how were people in India placed into a certain social class?

• by skill
• by birth
• by wealth
• by education

Which job was a Shudra most likely to do?

• herd sheep
• plow a field
• interpret religious law
• hold a government post

A person who spoke these words most likely belonged to which caste?
"I have been learning about battle. My father is showing me how to use different kinds of weapons so I will be a good warrior."

• Shudras
• Vaishyas
• Brahmins
• Kshatriyas

Why did Untouchables live in separate communities?

• They wanted to stay pure
• They shared all their goods
• They had to eat a special diet
• They were considered unclean

To Hindus, the soul, or atman, is a part of

• Shiva
• the sun
• Brahman
• the ocean

Which of these sentences is true of most Hindu temples?

• They contain elaborate sculptures
• They face west toward the setting sun
• They are placed as far from cities as possible
• They are small so as not to distract worshipers