5.2 Vedic Society

Ancient writings known as the __ include poems, hymns, myths, and rituals.

• Sanskrit

• Vedas

• Bible

The leader of each village was given the title of __.

• raja

• high priest

• Brahman

Sanskrit was the language of the __ civilization.

• Himilayan

• Harappan

• Aryan

• Greek

Aryan society was divided into four social classes called __.

• sudras

• varnas

• rajas

• seals

Brahmanism was practiced by the __, who based their religion on the Vedas.

• Aryans

• Harappans

• Sumerians

• Persians

The caste system came to divide Indian society into groups based on ___.

• wealth, gender, and profession

• rank, job, and bravery

• birth, wealth, or occupation

How were the early Harappan and Aryan civilizations similar?

• They created large cities.

• They settled in the Indus Valley.

• They used Sanskrit to communicate.

• They organized under the leadership of a king.

In the Vedic period, some rajas became the rulers of powerful kingdoms. Rajas were often __.

• farmers

• nobles

• women

• warriors

What was the purpose of the Vedic texts?

• They explained the punishments for breaking the law.

• They retold acts of heroism by early warriors.

• They taught doctors how to cure certain diseases.

• They described the religious rituals of early Hinduism.

Which was NOT one of the Aryan social classes?

• Kshatriyas

• Vaisyas

• Vedas

• Brahmins

• Sudras