ANCIENT INDIA Chapter 6 Terms

Teaches that the Buddha is a god who came to save people Mahayana Buddhism

Line of rulers from the same family dynasty

Written language developed by the Aryans Sanskrit

Person who travels to go to a religious shrine or site pilgrim

The four classes of the Indian society varnas

In South Asia, a strong wind that blows one direction in winter and the opposite direction in summer monsoon

Large landmass that is part of a continent but distinct from it subcontinent

System of religion that grew out of the religion of the Aryans in ancient India Hinduism

Rebirth of the soul or spirit in different bodies over time reincarnation

Religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, taught that the way to find truth was to give up all desires Buddhism

“teachings of the elders;” sees Buddha as a great teacher not a god Theravada Buddhism

In Buddhism, a state of wisdom and freedom from the cycle of rebirth nirvana

Government headed by religious leaders theocracy

Religious teacher and spiritual guide in Hinduism guru

In Hinduism, the good or bad energy a person builds up based upon whether he or she lives a good or bad life karma

Social group that a person is born into and cannot change caste

In Hinduism, the universal spirit of which all gods and goddesses are different parts Brahman

Prince who led an Aryan tribe in India raja

Buddhist shrine that is shaped like a dome or mound stupa

In Hinduism, the divine law that requires people to perform the duties of their caste dharma

ANCIENT INDIA Chapter 6 Terms