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WorksheetsThe Origins of Hinduism
Total questions: 20
Worksheet time: 11mins
The Vedic religion is named for the Vedas, which are
a collection of sacred texts.
a group of people from Europe
the three most important deities.
the temples where rituals were performed.
Which of these is the best reason for someone in India to study Sanskrit?
To read the ancient texts.
To understand road signs.
To run for political office.
To talk to ordinary people.
What is the major difference between the old Vedic religion and Brahmanism?
Religious scholars performed the complex rituals in Brahmanism.
A class of priests became increasingly important in Brahmanism.
Brahmins interpreted the Vedas for common people.
All of them.
To Hindus, the soul, or Atman is a part of
Shiva
the sun
Brahman
the ocean
How was the Hindu belief about karma related to the caste system?
People's caste determines which deities they worship.
People in the lowest castes will come back as animals.
People in different castes work different jobs.
People are in a caste because of how they lived in past lives.
In the caste system, how were people in India placed into a certain social class?
By skill.
By birth.
By wealth.
By education.
The festival of Diwali, which begins the Hindu New Year, celbrates
the changing of the seasons.
the victory of good over evil.
the food from a good harvest.
the long life of the wise elders.
Which job was a Shudra most likely to do?
herd sheep
plow a field
interpret religious law
hold a government post
A person who spoke these words most likely belonged to which cast? "I have been learning about battle. My father is showing me how to use different kind of weapons so I will be a good warrior."
Shudras
Vaishyas
Brahmins
Kshatriyas
Why did untouchables live in separate communities?
They wanted to stay pure.
They share all their goods.
They had to eat a special diet.
They were considered unclean.
Which of these is true of most Hindu temples?
They contain elaborate sculptures.
They have open ceilings so Hindus can see the moon.
They are placed as far from the city as possible.
They are small as to not distract worshipers.
In some Hindu traditions, Brahma is the creator and Vishnu is the preserver. What does Shiva do?
Teach
Perfect
Enlarge
Destroy
The ancient social class system was called varna. What did early Hindus mean by varna dharma?
Each caste had its own duties.
Caste determined social status.
People married within their caste.
Religious texts defined the castes.
Which symbol best represents samsara, the Hindu view of birth, life, ans death?
Triangle
Square
Circle
Arrow
Hindus from all over the world travel to the Ganges River to bathe in its cleansing waters. This journey to a holy site is called
a trip.
a pilgrimage.
a voyage.
none of the above.
How do people escape the cycle of reincarnation?
By following their dharma and behaving correctly.
By performing their social duties.
By worshiping faithfully according to Hindu ideals.
All of the above.
The story of the Ramayana is often told to Hindu children to teach them all of the following EXCEPT
family is always first.
Hindus should follow their dharma.
money can buy happiness.
children should obey their parents.
The Hindu belief that the Ramayana best illustrates is
the belief in reincarnation.
the belief in karma.
the belief in dharma.
the belief in deities.
How might Hindus expect karma to affect Sita in the story the Ramayana?
Sita will gain riches in her lifetime.
Sita will be rewarded for following her dharma.
Sita will be a Shudra in her next life.
None of the above.
When Rama was exiled for 14 years from his kingdom, his brother Bharata became the next in line for the throne. Bharata however said, "Rama, you are the king by right, please come home to rule". Rama responded, "You are a good brother and a good man. You are willing to part with riches and power. But I cannot disobey our father's command."
What Hindu ideal (that many people would refuse to do) does Bharata uphold in this scene?
Live in the woods for fourteen years.
Be willing to give up riches and power.
Use his power to gain more riches.
None of the above.
