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WorksheetsAncient India - Study Guide
Total questions: 94
Worksheet time: 2hrs 30mins
What does the term "Ahimsa" mean?
Nonviolence and respect for living things
A social order based on wealth
The science of working with metals
The language of ancient India
What is the "Caste System" in ancient India?
A collection of religious hymns
A social order that determined one’s place in society
The effect of a person’s actions on their soul
A wind pattern influencing climate
What is "Dharma" in the context of ancient India?
The rebirth of one’s soul
One’s spiritual duties
A state of peace free from suffering
The language of ancient India
What does "Karma" refer to?
The science of working with metals
The effect a person’s actions have on their soul
A large section of a continent
A collection of religious texts
What is "Meditation" focused on?
Spiritual ideas
Social order
Climate patterns
Religious hymns
What is "Metallurgy" the science of?
Working with metals
Spiritual duties
Wind patterns
Language development
What is "Moksha" in Hindu belief?
The cycle of rebirth
Achieving release from the cycle of rebirth
A state of peace free from suffering
The language of ancient India
What does "Monsoon" refer to?
A state of peace
A wind pattern influencing climate
A social order
A collection of religious texts
What is "Nirvana" in Buddhism?
The rebirth of one’s soul
A state of peace free from suffering and desire
The effect of actions on the soul
A large section of a continent
What does "Reincarnation" mean?
The rebirth of one’s soul
A social order
A wind pattern
A collection of hymns
What is "Sanskrit" known as?
A social order
The language of ancient India
A state of peace
A wind pattern
What is a "Subcontinent"?
A large section of a continent smaller than the continent itself
A collection of religious texts
A state of peace
A wind pattern
What are the "Vedas"?
A collection of religious hymns, rituals, and texts
A social order
A wind pattern
The language of ancient India
How did the subcontinent affect civilization in ancient India?
It was easily accessible to other civilizations.
It was surrounded by natural barriers, which separated it from other civilizations.
It had no impact on civilization.
It was a center for trade with Europe.
Why were the monsoons important in the lives of the ancient Indians?
They provided a constant temperature.
They brought heavy amounts of rainfall to India for agriculture, but also could lead to dangerous floods.
They were a source of entertainment.
They had no significant impact.
Which ancient Indian civilization lived alongside the Indus River and built the ancient cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro?
Gupta Empire
Maurya Empire
Indus Valley Civilization
Chola Dynasty
In what texts did Hindu scholars present their interpretations and explanations about the Vedas and the main ideas of Hinduism?
Ramayana
Mahabharata
Upanishads
Bhagavad Gita
According to Hindu beliefs, what is the invisible energy, force, or spirit that created the universe and is a part of everyone?
Atman
Karma
Brahman
Dharma
Why are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva important gods in Hinduism?
They represent wealth, health, and happiness.
They represent creation, preservation, and destruction.
They represent love, peace, and joy.
They represent wisdom, courage, and strength.
Who is the popular Hindu god of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles that also has the head of an elephant?
Krishna
Hanuman
Ganesha
Rama
What is the ultimate life goal for a person who practices Hinduism?
Achieve wealth and prosperity.
Attain fame and recognition.
Recognize that life is an illusion and reunite the atman with Brahman.
Gain power and influence.
How does a Hindu follow their dharma?
By seeking revenge and justice.
By following honesty, self-control, nonviolence, and performing their job to the best of their ability.
By accumulating wealth and power.
By isolating themselves from society.
Who was the founder of Buddhism?
Mahavira
Confucius
Siddhartha Gautama
Laozi
What is the meaning of the name “Buddha”?
Wise One
Enlightened One
Peaceful One
Powerful One
Why did the Buddha leave his family and home at the age of 29?
He wanted to explore the world.
He searched for the answers on how to end pain and suffering among people.
He was forced to leave by his family.
He wanted to start a new religion.
According to Buddhist tradition, how did the Buddha reach enlightenment?
He fasted for several months.
He meditated under a fig tree for several weeks.
He traveled to many countries.
He read many sacred texts.
Buddhists who follow the Middle Way find a balance between which two lifestyles?
Love & hate
Poverty & wealth
Joy & sorrow
Peace & conflict
What are the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?
All people are happy, happiness is caused by joy, joy can be increased by sharing, and the way to increase happiness is a path followed by the Buddha himself.
All people suffer, suffering is caused by cravings, suffering can be avoided by letting go of cravings, and the way to end suffering is a path followed by the Buddha himself.
All people are wise, wisdom is caused by learning, learning can be enhanced by teaching, and the way to enhance wisdom is a path followed by the Buddha himself.
All people are strong, strength is caused by exercise, exercise can be improved by practice, and the way to improve strength is a path followed by the Buddha himself.
What are the main ideas of the Eightfold Path in Buddhism?
An intentional perspective, honorable actions, and mindfulness will lead to nirvana.
Strict rituals and ceremonies are necessary for enlightenment.
Only meditation and prayer can lead to spiritual growth.
Material wealth and power are the ultimate goals.
What is the difference between the beliefs about reincarnation in Hinduism and Buddhism?
Buddhists believe that anyone can escape reincarnation, while Hindus believe that social class could determine escape from reincarnation.
Hindus believe in a single life, while Buddhists believe in multiple lives.
Buddhists believe in reincarnation only for monks, while Hindus believe it applies to everyone.
Hindus believe in reincarnation as a punishment, while Buddhists see it as a reward.
What religion practices nontheism and its followers are committed to values such as nonviolence and vegetarianism?
Jainism
Christianity
Islam
Zoroastrianism
What religion incorporates ideas of Hinduism and Islam, while also encouraging its followers to meditate, practice honesty, and treat others equally?
Sikhism
Buddhism
Judaism
Taoism
What was a major achievement of the Indus Valley Civilization?
They created cities that were organized into grid patterns and equipped with drainage systems including baths and flush toilets.
They built the Great Wall of China.
They developed the first written language.
They invented the wheel.
The Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavad-Gita are all famous examples of what type of Indian achievement?
Literature
Architecture
Music
Dance
What type of government existed in the Indus Valley Civilization?
Historians do not currently know what type of government existed in the Indus Valley Civilization due to a lack of evidence.
A monarchy ruled by a king.
A democracy with elected leaders.
A theocracy governed by priests.
Why is Chandragupta Maurya considered an important figure in world history?
He united nearly all of India and formed the first empire across the subcontinent.
He discovered America.
He invented the printing press.
He was the first emperor of China.
Why is Ashoka considered an important figure in world history?
He was an emperor who gave up conquest and actively encouraged the spread of Buddhism across South Asia.
He was the first to sail around the world.
He invented the steam engine.
He discovered penicillin.
When was the “golden age” of ancient India when the economy was strong and the civilization made great advancements in art, literature, math, medicine, metallurgy, and science?
Gupta Empire
Mughal Empire
British Raj
Maurya Empire
How do historians know that the Indus Valley Civilization created a successful trading economy?
Archeologists found several Harappan artifacts, such as their trading seals, in Mesopotamia.
They discovered ancient coins with inscriptions.
They found written records of trade agreements.
They unearthed large marketplaces in the region.
What are the four varnas in India’s social hierarchy?
Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaisya, Sudra
Brahmin, Vaisya, Sudra, Dalit
Kshatriya, Vaisya, Sudra, Dalit
Brahmin, Kshatriya, Sudra, Dalit
Why were many ancient Indians motivated to complete the duties of their varnas?
They would increase their chances of escaping reincarnation.
They would gain wealth and power.
They would be able to travel freely.
They would receive better education.
What was a jati?
A job assigned to a person at birth based on their family’s line of work.
A religious ceremony performed annually.
A type of traditional Indian clothing.
A form of ancient Indian music.
What jobs were Dalits expected to do within India’s social hierarchy?
Dalits collected garbage, swept streets, and disposed of dead animals.
Dalits were responsible for teaching and education.
Dalits worked as merchants and traders.
Dalits served as soldiers and protectors.
How did the caste system eventually restrict Indians’ freedoms over the course of history?
The caste system limited people’s choices in marriage, friendship, education, and employment around India.
The caste system encouraged open trade and travel.
The caste system promoted equal opportunities for all.
The caste system allowed for easy social mobility.
Why do historians have many questions about the history of the Indus Valley Civilization?
The writing system cannot be translated today.
The civilization left no physical artifacts.
The civilization was never discovered.
The civilization had no form of government.
Which of the following images shows an example of Sanskrit?
Choice A
Choice B
Choice C
Choice D
List the eras of ancient Indian history in chronological order.
Gupta Empire, Mauryan Empire, Vedic Period, Indus Valley Civilization
Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire
Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period
Vedic Period, Indus Valley Civilization, Gupta Empire, Mauryan Empire
Which body of water, besides typical uses such as irrigation and trade, was also a sacred site in Hinduism?
Yamuna River
Saraswati River
Ganges River
Godavari River
What similarity in the geography of India, Egypt, and Mesopotamia allowed all three ancient civilizations to support large populations?
They were all located near mountains.
They were all located near rivers.
They were all located near deserts.
They were all located near forests.
Which group from ancient India is responsible for developing the varnas that would later evolve into the caste system?
Dravidian Civilization
Harappan Civilization
Indo-Aryan Civilization
Mauryan Civilization
Why were Dalits called “Untouchables” by other castes over the course of Indian history?
They were considered outsiders who were dirty and impure because they sinned in their past lives.
They were considered the highest caste.
They were known for their wealth and power.
They were the rulers of ancient India.
What are the living conditions of Dalits in India today?
They are completely equal with no discrimination.
They have more privileges than other castes.
The Indian government banned untouchability, but there is still discrimination against Dalits.
They are the ruling class in India.
Who was the ruler of ancient India that promoted the arts, sciences, and Hinduism while expanding the territory of the Gupta Empire?
Ashoka the Great
Chandragupta Maurya
Chandra Gupta II
Harsha
Which mountain range isolates and protects the Indian subcontinent?
Himalayas
Rockies
Pyrenees
Urals
What are monsoons?
floating fields that support agriculture
long period of dry, hot weather
strong seasonal winds that blow at certain times of the year
disease that causes many deaths
Why were monsoons important to the development of the South Asian subcontinent?
heavy rainfall in summer, providing water for agriculture
dry winds kept land from being used for agriculture
protected the Indus River Valley from the cold of the Himalayas
What is a planned city?
highest location in an ancient city
a city where people move place to place
a city near a river
city built with specific layout in mind
Which of the following 2 were planned cities of the Indian civilization?
Harappa
Mohenjo-Daro
Carthage
Cairo
The Harappan civilization emerged in which river valley?
Ganges
Indus
Nile
Tigris
A prince who discovered enlightenment and became known as the Buddha or the “Enlightened One.”
Asoka
Siddhartha Gautama
Chandragupta Maurya
Atman
The cycle of life, death and rebirth
Monsoon
Meditation
Reincarnation
Harappa
A worldwide religion that has many gods and teaches that people have another life on earth after they die.
Hinduism
Buddhism
monotheism
polytheism
A religion centered around the teachings of the Buddha.
Subcontinent
Varna
Meditation
Buddhism
Match the following
when a soul is reborn into a different body
reincarnation
one's spiritual duties
dharma
Hinduism's holiest books
Vedas
a state of peace that is free from suffering and desire
nirvana
This is a social order that determines one's place in society.
Sanskrit
caste system
Aryans
Vedas
What is the name of the writing system of ancient India
cuneiform
hieroglyphics
sanskrit
calligraphy
Ashoka was the first ruler to promote . . .
Jainism
Hinduism
ahisma
Buddhism
The Indian subcontinent is part of the continent of . . .
Africa
Europe
Asia
South America
_______________ contained religious objects and served as places of worship
Ashoka
Stupas
Vedas
Guru
Match the landforms to the map:
Himalaya Mountains
Hind Kush Mountains
Indus River
Ganges River
founded by Siddhartha Gautama
Eightfold Path
Four Noble Truths
goal is nirvana
Worships many gods
holy book The Vedas
founded in 2300 BCE
founded in 450 BCE
no one founder
What is one fact about monsoon winds?
They sometimes blow only in the spring.
They happen every year.
They always bring disaster to farmers.
They have no effect on daily life in India.
Ashoka was the first ruler to promote . . .
Jainism
Hinduism
ahisma
Buddhism
The Indian subcontinent is part of the continent of . . .
Africa
Europe
Asia
South America
______________ became known as the Buddha.
Siddhartha Gautama
Vedas
Dalai Lama
Stupas
Most Indus Valley people lived __________________________.
large cities
small towns
farming villages
large ranches
Siddhartha Gautama is known as the first....
Emperor
Buddha
Thinker
Philosopher
What are the two major religions in India?
Daoism
Christianity
Islam
Hinduism
Buddhism
What is Buddhism try to find?
the answer to eternal life (or never dying)
the answers to all of the questions in the world
the way to develop strong cities
the secret to stopping human suffering
How did the Caste System shape Indian society?
it made everyone to became Buddhist
it encouraged vegetarianism
it created a strict guide for social classes
it promoted the Sanskrit script
The first language of Ancient India
Indo-Aryan
Dravidian
English
Sanskrit
What is the world's highest mountain system?
Rockies
Smokies
Himalyas
Sanskrit was passed down generation to generation
Written on paper
Verbally
by Hiroglyphs
Which of the following are part of the guidelines to a good moral life according to Hinduism (three answers)
Non-violence
Self control
Believing in one God
Treating people equally
Honesty
In the Caste System, a person's birth, wealth, or occupation determines their
place in society
maritial status
options for a job
the amount of kids they can have
Island
