Ancient India

Why is Chandragupta Maurya considered an important figure in world history?

• He introduced the practice of meditation to the Indian subcontinent.

• He invented the concept of zero and the decimal system that improved mathematics.

• He performed one of the first medical surgeries that used vaccines in the treatment.

• He united nearly all of India and formed the first empire across the subcontinent.

Answer explanation

Chandragupta Maurya is significant in world history because he united nearly all of India, establishing the first empire across the subcontinent, which laid the foundation for future political structures in the region.

Which body of water, besides typical uses such as irrigation and trade, was also a sacred site in Hinduism?

• Arabian Sea

• Bay of Bengal

• Ganges River

• Indus River

Answer explanation

The Ganges River is considered sacred in Hinduism, symbolizing purity and spirituality. It is worshipped and used for rituals, making it more than just a water source for irrigation and trade.

Which group from ancient India is responsible for developing the varnas that would later evolve into the caste system?

• Gupta Empire

• Indo-Aryan Civilization

• Indus Valley Civilization

• Mauryan Empire

Answer explanation

The Indo-Aryan Civilization is credited with developing the varna system, which later evolved into the caste system in ancient India. This classification was based on social roles and occupations.

Why were Dalits called “Untouchables” by other castes over the course of Indian history?

• The other castes believed Dalits were elites who were greedy and selfish people that hoarded all of the wealth for themselves.

• The other castes believed Dalits were medical professionals who worked with sick patients and were exposed to diseases.

• The other castes believed Dalits were outsiders who were dirty and impure because they sinned in their past lives.

• The other castes believed Dalits were warriors who were powerful and undefeated over several wars throughout history.

Answer explanation

Dalits were labeled 'Untouchables' because other castes viewed them as outsiders, considering them dirty and impure due to beliefs about their past lives and sins. This stigma led to their social exclusion.

Why did the Buddha leave his family and home at the age of 29?

• He led military campaigns to defend his territory from other Indian empires.

• He opened a hospital to assist the elderly and sick members of his kingdom.

• He searched for the answers on how to end pain and suffering among people.

• He traveled around India so he could teach young people and follow his passion.

Answer explanation

The Buddha left his family at 29 to seek answers on how to end pain and suffering, motivated by a deep desire to understand and alleviate human suffering, rather than for military or personal pursuits.

Achieved when one is released from the cycle of rebirth.

• Ahimsa

• Caste System

• Dharma

• Moksha

Answer explanation

Moksha is the term used in Hinduism to describe liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). It signifies the ultimate goal of life, where one achieves spiritual freedom and union with the divine.

One’s spiritual duties.

• Dharma

• Nirvana

• Moksha

• Karma

Answer explanation

Dharma refers to one's spiritual duties and responsibilities in life, guiding individuals on how to live ethically and fulfill their roles in society. It is the correct choice for the question about spiritual duties.

True or False: The Indus Valley Civilization created a government that was influenced by Hinduism.

• A) True

• B) False

Answer explanation

The Indus Valley Civilization predates Hinduism and did not have a government influenced by it. Therefore, the statement is false.

True or False: Jainism is a nontheistic religion and its followers are committed to values such as nonviolence and vegetarianism.

• A) True

• B) False

Answer explanation

False is correct because Judaism is a theistic religion centered on the belief in one God. While many Jews may value nonviolence and some may choose vegetarianism, these are not universal commitments within the religion.

Wind pattern that influences the climate and leads to wet and dry seasons.

• Monsoon

• Ahimsa

• Reincarnation

• Metallurgy

Answer explanation

The term 'Monsoon' refers to a seasonal wind pattern that significantly affects climate, leading to distinct wet and dry seasons, particularly in South Asia. The other options do not relate to climate patterns.