Ancient India Vocabulary Review

Aryans

• a group from Central Asia who moved into India and established Vedic society

• a nomadic tribe from Europe who settled in Africa

• an ancient civilization known for its pyramids

• a group of indigenous people from South America

Chandra Gupta II

• leader who expanded the Gupta empire and strengthened the economy

• a famous Indian poet of the Gupta period

• a ruler known for his military conquests in the South

• the founder of the Maurya Empire

Vedas

• A collection of religious poems, myths, and hymns that influenced Hinduism

• A type of ancient Indian architecture

• A collection of scientific texts on astronomy

• A series of historical narratives about Indian kings

Nirvana

• a state of peace that is free from suffering and desire

• a type of meditation practice

• a form of artistic expression

• a philosophical doctrine about existence

Reincarnation

• the rebirth of one’s soul

• a state of eternal rest

• a journey to another planet

• the process of aging

Metallurgy

• the science of working with metals, which was founded in Ancient India.

• the study of ancient civilizations and their cultures.

• the process of extracting metals from ores.

• the art of crafting jewelry from precious stones.

Dharma

• one’s spiritual duties

• a type of meditation

• a sacred text

• a form of yoga

Karma

• the effect a person’s actions have on their soul

• a type of meditation practice

• a belief in reincarnation

• a moral code of conduct

Caste System

• a social order that has determined one’s place in Indian society

• a system of government based on democratic principles

• a method of economic classification in society

• a cultural practice related to marriage and family

Indus Valley Civilization

• an ancient civilization that flourished in the Indus River basin

• a modern city known for its technological advancements

• a historical site in Europe

• a civilization that existed in the Amazon rainforest