Study Guide: Ancient India and China (3000 B.C.–A.D. 500)

The monsoon significantly affects the Indian subcontinent by:

• Bringing seasonal rainfall that supports agriculture

• Causing year-round droughts

• Reducing river water levels permanently

• Preventing any seasonal changes

Evidence that suggests the cities of Harappa and Mohenjo Daro had well-organized governments includes:

• the presence of carefully planned streets and drainage systems

• the existence of large armies and weapons

• the discovery of royal palaces and thrones

• the use of written laws carved on stone tablets

The relationship between karma, dharma, and reincarnation in Hinduism is best described as:

• Karma affects reincarnation based on how well one follows dharma.

• Dharma determines karma, but reincarnation is unrelated.

• Reincarnation happens only if karma is negative, regardless of dharma.

• Karma and dharma are unrelated to reincarnation.

A key difference between Buddhism and Hinduism regarding the social structure of India was:

• Buddhism rejected the caste system, while Hinduism supported it.

• Both Buddhism and Hinduism strictly enforced the caste system.

• Buddhism created a new caste system, while Hinduism abolished it.

• Hinduism rejected the caste system, while Buddhism supported it.

Aśoka used Buddhist ideals to govern the Mauryan Empire by:

• promoting nonviolence and compassion in his policies

• expanding the empire through constant warfare

• rejecting all religious influences in governance

• enforcing strict caste-based laws

The Mandate of Heaven is a concept that played a key role in the dynastic cycle of China by:

• Justifying the rise and fall of dynasties based on their virtue and ability to govern.

• Establishing a democratic system of government in ancient China.

• Promoting the idea of absolute monarchy without accountability.

• Encouraging foreign rulers to take over Chinese dynasties.

The Five Constant Relationships in Confucianism are intended to maintain which of the following?

• Social harmony and proper conduct between individuals

• Economic prosperity and wealth distribution

• Religious rituals and ceremonies

• Political power and government structure

Two major methods Qin Shihuangdi used to unify the Chinese world were:

• Standardizing currency and writing systems

• Expanding the Silk Road and building the Grand Canal

• Establishing Confucianism as the state philosophy and promoting local dialects

• Encouraging regional independence and abolishing taxes

The Silk Road was primarily used for transporting luxury goods because:

• luxury goods were valuable and could cover the high costs of long-distance transport

• it was the only route available for all types of goods

• everyday goods were more profitable to transport over long distances

• the Silk Road was only accessible to common traders

Two significant advancements made during the Han Dynasty were:

• the invention of paper and the development of the Silk Road

• the construction of the Parthenon and the invention of democracy

• the creation of hieroglyphics and the building of pyramids

• the discovery of gunpowder and the invention of the compass