Ancient India

Which answer below best describes the benefit the Himalayas provided to the developing civilizations in the Indus Valley?

• greater access to trade with other territories

• grassland for cattle grazing

• a natural boundary from invading cultures

• mountains for hiking & exploring

Why were the Mohenjo Daro and Harappa cities able to develop as early civilizations?

• both were near the Indian Ocean and developed sea ports

• both were located in high elevations secure from raids

• both were located next to the rich soil of the Nile River

• both were in the fertile region of the Indus River Valley

What did ancient India believe determined your position in the caste system?

• Behavior in previous life determines one's present social class.

• All people have equal rights.

• Laws are handed down by God and may not be changed.

• The government should decide a citizen's jobs and marriage arrangements.

Which aspect of the caste system was of the highest importance in Aryan society?

• Moving to a lower level of the caste system

• Helping those in the lower castes to reach a higher level.

• Interacting with people of different castes.

• Following the strict rules of the caste system.

What does your new physical form depend on according to the Hindu belief of reincarnation?

• Sutra, having a string of true or wise ideas

• Moksha, exiting the cycle

• Karma, consequence of Dharma of reincarnation

• Shiva, properly mourning for the dead

Which of the following best describes the beliefs of the Aryan people and Indus Valley civilizations?

• monotheistic

• polytheistic

• Buddhist

• Christian

Which feature of the Hindu-Arabic numeral system was an improvement over previous numeral systems?

• the belief that number 13 is unlucky

• the concept of zero

• the use of prime numbers

• the development of number lines

What is the most important goal of Buddhism as taught by the Buddha?

• reaching the state of nirvana

• acquiring wealth

• achieving independence

• participating in missionary work

Which of the following is a core concept that both Buddhism and Hinduism share?

• both focus on self-knowledge and reflect on behaviors

• both reflect the geography of the region

• both have a highly developed social hierarchy

• both value power and achievements

The map shows some of the important rivers in India. What is the importance of the river marked with an X?

• It is the only river that flows from the Himalayas.

• It is sacred to Hindu believers.

• It is the site of the earliest Indian settlements.

• It is the only source of clean water in India.