South Asia Lesson 2

What is the Indus Valley civilization known for?

• Its advanced urban layout and well-constructed drainage systems.

• Its nomadic lifestyle and temporary settlements.

• Its reliance on hunting rather than agriculture.

• Its use of hieroglyphics for writing.

Which two major cities were part of the Indus Valley civilization?

• Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro

• Babylon and Nineveh

• Athens and Sparta

• Beijing and Shanghai

What script did the Aryans compose their long poetic texts in?

• Hieroglyphics

• Cuneiform

• Sanskrit

• Latin

What foundational text of Hinduism was handed down orally before being written?

• The Bible

• The Quran

• The Torah

• The Rig Veda

What is the main belief of Jainism?

• The soul can be liberated through violent acts.

• The soul must experience reincarnation indefinitely.

• The soul should not harm any living creature to achieve liberation.

• The soul is fundamentally evil and must be purified.

What are the Four Noble Truths associated with Buddhism?

• Life is suffering; suffering is caused by selfish desire; suffering can be stopped; suffering stops by following the Eightfold Path.

• Life is joyful; joy comes from giving; joy is eternal; joy is achieved through meditation.

• Life is a cycle; the cycle is maintained by desire; breaking the cycle leads to enlightenment; enlightenment is achieved through isolation.

• Life is permanent; permanence is achieved through power; power comes from knowledge; knowledge is obtained through sacrifice.

What is the major religion found in India today, as mentioned in the text?

• Buddhism

• Jainism

• Hinduism

• Islam

Who was the ruler that unified much of northern India and under whose rule science, medicine, mathematics, and the arts flourished?

• Ashoka

• Chandragupta I

• Shah Jahan

• Akbar

Which Mughal emperor is known for his conversion to Buddhism and his influence on trade and culture in South Asia?

• Babur

• Akbar

• Shah Jahan

• Ashoka

During which century did the British establish settlements in India, becoming a powerful presence in South Asia?

• 1500s

• 1600s

• 1700s

• 1800s