The Origins of Hinduism

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.

What is the major difference between the old Vedic religion and Brahmanism?

• Religious scholars performed the complex rituals in Brahmanism.

• A class of priests became increasingly important in Brahmanism.

• Brahmins interpreted the Vedas for common people.

• All of them.

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

• Shiva

• the sun

• Brahman

• the ocean

How was the Hindu belief about karma related to the caste system?

• People's caste determines which deities they worship.

• People in the lowest castes will come back as animals.

• People in different castes work different jobs.

• People are in a caste because of how they lived in past lives.

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

• By skill.

• By birth.

• By wealth.

• By education.

The festival of Diwali, which begins the Hindu New Year, celbrates

• the changing of the seasons.

• the victory of good over evil.

• the food from a good harvest.

• the long life of the wise elders.

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 cast? "I have been learning about battle. My father is showing me how to use different kind 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 share all their goods.

• They had to eat a special diet.

• They were considered unclean.