Ancient India

The lowest __________, or social grouping based on skill, identified in the Vedas was the __________.

• varna; Brahmins

• jati; Kshatriyas

• varna; Sudras

• jati; Vaishyas

Which of the following did the Indian scientist Aryabhata discover? Choose the TWO correct answers.

• The motion of Earth and the moon cause eclipses.

• The Ayurvedic medical system effectively treats many diseases.

• The moon shines because it reflects sunlight.

• Metal can be extracted from ore to create useful objects.

The strength of the Maurya empire depended on which of the following?

• the happiness of the empire’s people

• the power and authority of the ruler

• the efficiency of the bureaucracy

• the money collected in taxes

Scholars believe that Indus Valley people used granaries to

• store surplus crops.

• make cloth from cotton.

• hold religious ceremonies.

• defend their villages.

Most historians think that Indo-Aryan culture spread through India by

• rapid conquest.

• overland trade.

• gradual mixing.

• forceful integration.

According to the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism, what must be overcome to end suffering?

• all forms of desire

• all selfish desires

• nirvana

• anger

Read the following excerpt from the Bhagavad Gita.

“For the soul there is neither birth nor death at any time. He has not come into being, does not come into being, and will not come into being. He is unborn, eternal [unending], ever-existing and primeval [ancient and original]. He is not slain [killed] when the body is slain.”

What central part of Hinduism does this quote illustrate?

• ahimsa

• reincarnation

• dharma

• karma

Why do scholars believe that the Indus Valley had a highly developed civilization?

• It left behind many written records.

• Its cities show a high level of planning.

• It had a highly organized religion.

• Its royal tombs hold many artifacts.

What is the correct order of cultures and empires in ancient India?

• Vedic, Indus, Gupta, Maurya

• Indus, Vedic, Maurya, Gupta

• Indus, Vedic, Gupta, Maurya

• Maurya, Gupta, Indus, Vedic

Which of the following statements about modern Buddhism is accurate?

• Buddhism is still widely practiced in India.

• Few Buddhists live in Asia.

• Most Buddhists live in monasteries.

• More than two million Buddhists live in the United States.