Ancient Indian Civilization and Religions

Aryan language

• Sanskrit, in which the Vedas were written

• Latin, used in ancient Rome

• Greek, spoken in ancient Greece

• Hebrew, used in ancient Israel

Indus and Ganges

• Two major rivers of India

• Two mountain ranges in India

• Two major cities in India

• Two historical sites in India

Caste System

• A social class system in India that divides people based on birth

• A system of governance in ancient India

• A method of agricultural classification

• A type of economic policy in India

Vedas

• The sacred texts of the Aryans that included their rituals and hymns

• A collection of ancient Greek philosophical writings

• The historical records of the Roman Empire

• A series of epic poems from ancient Mesopotamia

Brahmins

• Warriors in the caste system

• Merchants in the caste system

• Priest in the caste system

• Laborers in the caste system

Sanskrit

• A language spoken by the ancient Greeks

• An Aryan language of the Aryans, Vedas were written in this language

• A modern language used in India today

• A language used in ancient Egypt

Hinduism

• A religion that originated in ancient India and is the world’s third largest religion

• A monotheistic religion founded by the prophet Muhammad

• A philosophy that emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment

• A belief system centered around the worship of multiple gods and goddesses

Harappan

• Earliest civilization that developed along the Indus River Valley; had advanced indoor plumbing and standard weights and measures

• A civilization known for its pyramids and pharaohs

• An ancient civilization located in Mesopotamia known for the Code of Hammurabi

• A civilization that thrived in the Mediterranean region known for its philosophers and democracy

Brahman

• A. The universal spirit in Hinduism

• B. A type of meditation

• C. A sacred text in Hinduism

• D. A festival celebrated in India

Samsara

• A state of eternal bliss

• The cycle of life, death, and rebirth

• A form of meditation

• A sacred text in Hinduism