Ancient India

Based on the map, why might ancient cultures have been more likely to settle in northern India than southern India?

• Northern India contained two major rivers.
• The mountains prevented rain from reaching the southern portion of India.
• Northern India provided better access to the sea. 
• The southern climate was not as temperate as the northern climate.

What made the development of the city of Harappa possible?

• It's strong military
• its surplus of grain
• its mining of precious gems
• its trade with other early civilizations

Which statement best explains how the monsoons affected the development of early Indian civilizations? 

• The flooding caused by monsoons slowed the growth of the population in early Indian civilizations.
• The water brought by monsoon rains allowed agriculture to develop away from India’s major rivers.
• The wetness from the monsoons pushed many to migrate farther south in search of a better climate.
• The harsh winters caused by strong monsoon winds blowing in from Central Asia made life more difficult.

Which characteristic contributes to South Asia being considered a subcontinent?

• It is geographically isolated from the rest of Asia by tall mountains.
• It has a different weather pattern from the rest of the region.
• It is separated from eastern Asia by the Arabian Sea.
• It developed civilizations that had no contact with outside peoples.

The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism1. All life is suffering.2. The cause of human suffering is desire and attachment.3. ?4. The way to rise above suffering is the Eightfold Path.
Which statement replaces the question mark in this list?

• A) All suffering teaches us something.
  
• The cure for something is detachment.
• The desire to escape suffering is natural.
• Giving in to desire is the path to escape from suffering.

Which change resulted from Ashoka's embrace of Buddhism?

• Most Indians became vegetarians.
• Millions of Indians converted to Buddhism.
• Hindu temples across India were destroyed.
• New houses of worship were built all over India.

How did Hinduism develop as a religion?

• Indian leaders were considered to be gods, and they established Hinduism.
  
• Aryan invaders brought their religion to India, and it combined with other local religions to form Hinduism.
• A prophet lived among the people and taught them the basic beliefs of Hinduism.
  
• The first people to settle in India had a creation story that developed into Hinduism.
  

Vishnu and Shiva are two of the most important gods in the Hindu belief system. Vishnu is considered “the preserver” of the universe, while Shiva is called “the destroyer.”
Which statement best explains how Hindus explain how these two contrasting spiritual beings exist?

• Hindus consider life an unending struggle for survival.
• Hindus aspire to move beyond the basic struggle for survival.
• Hindus believe that balance is a central feature of the universe.
• Hindus believe that good and evil gods constantly fight for control of the world.
  

Which statement describes a similarity between the Vedas and the Mahabharata?

• Both are Sanskrit texts written by unknown authors.
• They both contain a clear list of rules for following dharma.
  
• They both contain versions of the life of Siddhartha Gautama.
• Both are important for understanding the origins of Buddhism.

One accomplishment of Aryan control of India was the development of

• a polytheistic religion
• a written sanskrit alphabet
• a river valley civilization
• trade relations with China