Buddhism: context and comparison | World History | Khan Academy

Where did Buddha emerge and during which historical period?

• Southeast Asia, during the Mauryan Empire

• Northeast India and Nepal, at the end of the Vedic Period

• Western India, during the Gupta Empire

• Southern India, at the beginning of the Vedic Period

What was a main spiritual idea in Hinduism, as described in the Upanishads?

• Focusing on many rituals led by priests.

• The idea of Atman (inner self) and Brahman (ultimate reality).

• Following a strict system of social classes.

• Believing in only one main god.

Which group of people held the most power in society during Buddha's time because they could perform religious rituals?

• Rulers and warriors

• Farmers and merchants

• Priests

• Laborers

Why did Buddha look for new spiritual answers instead of following the usual religious ways of his time?

• He wanted to become a king.

• He thought the ruling class had all the right answers.

• He saw people suffering and believed the focus on rituals and social classes needed to change.

• He wanted to travel the world and teach everyone.

Why was Buddhism appealing to people who felt left out or treated unfairly in society?

• It offered a path to wealth and power.

• It allowed people to have a personal spiritual path without needing priests.

• It promised a higher social status immediately.

• It was only for the ruling class.

What did Emperor Ashoka do that helped Buddhism spread widely?

• He wrote new holy books for Buddhism.

• He fought many wars to force people to become Buddhist.

• He converted to Buddhism and sent people to teach it to others.

• He built many large temples for other religions.

Which Roman Emperor helped Christianity become a widely accepted religion, similar to how Emperor Ashoka helped Buddhism?

• Julius Caesar

• Augustus

• Constantine

• Nero

What did Martin Luther try to do for Christianity, similar to what Buddha and Jesus did for their religions?

• He tried to make the religion more about power and rituals.

• He tried to make the religion more personal and less focused on rituals.

• He tried to combine Christianity with other religions.

• He tried to make the Christian Church the only church in the world.