Hinduism/Buddhism

The earliest of the orally transmitted religious and literary works of the Aryans was the

• Upanishads.

• Vedas.

• Dasas.

• Rajas.

The Upanishads were

• commentaries and reflections on the Vedas.

• the priestly class from the caste system.

• warriors.

• the untouchables.

The authors of the Upanishads believed that the highest goal of the individual soul was to

• follow the Four Noble Truths.

• escape the cycle of birth and rebirth

• perform sati.

• fulfill the individual's special destiny

The Indian work that deals with a dialogue between the warrior, Arjuna, and his charioteer, Krishna, is the

• Mahabharata.

• Arthashastra.

• Ramayana.

• Bhagavad Gita.

What Aryan god was associated with war and rain?

• Varuna

• Indra

• Agni

• Krishna

Which of the following is NOT true with regard to Hinduism?

• It restricted sexual activities

• It became the most popular religion of classical India.

• It did not have a single founder

• It supported the caste system.

Hindu ethical teachings held out the promise of salvation precisely to those who

• rejected the caste structure

• observed their caste duties.

• gave to the poorest members of society.

• committed themselves to extreme nonviolence

In early Vedic times the Aryans based social distinctions—and thus the early forms of the caste system—on

• Aryan or Dravidian ancestry.

• religious belief.

• language.

• wealth measured by cattle and horses.

Ancient Indian religion revolved around ritual sacrifices offered by whom?

• brahmins

• kshatriyas

• vaishyas

• shudras

Which of the following social classes in the late Vedic Age caste system is associated with warriors and aristocrats?

• shudras

• kshatriyas

• vaishyas

• brahmins