Indian Religion - General

The Vedic religion is named for the Vedas, which are

• a collection of sacred texts.

• a group of people from Europe.

• the three most important deities.

• the temples where rituals were performed.

In the caste system, how were people in India placed into a certain social class?

• by skill

• by birth

• by wealth

• by education

A person who spoke these words most likely belonged to which caste? "I have been learning about battle. My father is showing me how to use different kinds of weapons so I will be a good warrior."

• Shudras

• Vaishyas

• Brahmins

• Kshatriyas

Why did Untouchables live in separate communities?

• They wanted to stay pure.

• They shared all their goods.

• They had to eat a special diet.

• They were considered unclean.

To Hindus, the soul, or atman, is a part of

• Shiva.

• the sun.

• Brahman.

• the ocean.

Which of these sentences is true of most Hindu temples?

• They contain elaborate sculptures.

• They face west toward the setting sun.

• They are placed as far from cities as possible.

• They are small so as not to distract worshipers.

In some Hindu traditions, Brahma is the creator and Vishnu is the preserver. What does Shiva do?

• teach

• perfect

• enlarge

• destroy

The festival of Divali, which begins the Hindu New Year, celebrates

• the changing of the seasons.

• the victory of good over evil.

• the food from a good harvest.

• the long life of the wise elders.

The ancient social class system was called varna. What did early Hindus mean by varna dharma?

• Each caste had its own duties.

• Caste determined social status.

• People married within their caste.

• Religious texts defined the castes.

Which animal became a symbol for the Hindu belief in reverence for life?

• the lion

• the cow

• the camel

• the elephant