Chapter 11: Ancient India

Agriculture on the Indian subcontinent depends heavily on the

• Summer monsoons

• Winter monsoons

• River system

• Cool climate

Why do scholars believe that the Indus Valley had an advanced civilization?

• It left behind many written records.

• Its cities show advanced planning.

• It had a highly organized religion.

• Its royal tombs hold many artifacts.

What have scholars learned for certain about the Indus Valley civilization?

• It was ruled by many kings.

• Written records were common.

• Religion was very important.

• Its cities were well planned.

In what region has evidence of trade with the Indus Valley been found?

• China

• Mesopotamia

• Europe

• Southeast Asia

The Indus Valley civilization disappeared

• due to severe floods.

• due to severe drought.

• due to a loss of forests.

• for reasons not known for certain.

Scholars believe that Indus Valley people used granaries to

• store surplus crops.

• make cloth from cotton.

• hold religious ceremonies.

• defend their villages.

Which of the following was the highest social group of the Aryan caste system?

• Merchants

• Warriors

• Priests

• Laborers

Which of the following was the lowest varna, or group, identified in the Vedas?

• Brahmins

• Sudras

• Kshatriyas

• Vaishyas

Most recent scholars believe that the first Indo-Aryans

• entered India across the Himalayas.

• came from southern India.

• were the original inhabitants of India.

• migrated to India from Central Asia.

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

• rapid conquest

• overland trade

• gradual mixing

• beginning in India