Ancient India

Which action was forbidden by India’s caste system? 2 correct answers

• eating certain foods

• religious study by non-Brahmans

• moving from one village to another

• marrying someone from a different caste

The religion of the Aryans, who invaded India around 1500 BCE, evolved into which of these world religions?

(a)  

• Buddhism

• Christianity

• Hinduism
• Islam

Who founded India’s first empire?

(a)  

• Ashoka

• Samudra

• Bindusara

• Chandragupta

What was the most significant change in Indian society that took place during the reign of the Mauryan ruler Ashoka?

• The Indian caste system was established.

• Buddhism spread throughout India.
• A widespread educational system was created.

• The population shifted from rural to urban areas.

What happened as a result of outlawing the caste system in India in 1949?

• A. A revival of traditional Hindu rituals and ceremonies

• B. A renewal of tensions among the many ethnic groups of India

• C. A mass movement of the population from rural to urban areas

• D. An increase in educational opportunities for India’s poorest people

One accomplishment of Aryan control of India was the development of

• a polytheistic religion

• a written Sanskrit alphabet

• a river valley civilization

• trade relations with China

What made the development of the city of Harappa possible?

(a)  

• its strong military

• its surplus supply of grain
• its mining of precious gems

• its trade with other early civilizations

Based on the map, why might ancient cultures have been more likely to settle in northern India than southern India?

• A. Northern India contained two major rivers.

• B. The mountains prevented rain from reaching the southern portion of India.

• C. Northern India provided better access to the sea.

• D. The southern climate was not as temperate as the northern climate.

Which statement best describes how the cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were similar?

• Both grew rich and powerful through trade in precious gems.

• Both relied almost entirely on farming to support their large populations.

• Both constructed elaborate systems of canals to control seasonal flooding.

• Both had governments that played an important role in protecting the food supply.

Which is the best explanation for why Hindus are forbidden to eat beef and why many Hindus are vegetarians?

• Hindus believe that the god Vishnu sometimes appears as a cow and other animals.

• Hindus believe that cows are sacred animals and that all living things are part of the Brahma.

• Hindus believe that cows are unclean and should only be eaten by the lower castes.

• Hindus believe that cows and other animals have a dharma and it is wrong for humans to interfere with it.