Caste System in Ancient India Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the Caste System?

A structure of social classes in Hinduism. (correct)

A flexible system allowing social mobility.

A system solely based on wealth.

A method for determining political leadership.

What does karma refer to in Buddhism and Hinduism?

Effects of actions on a person's soul.

What are the Vedas?

Ancient sacred texts of Hinduism.

What is Sanskrit?

The sacred and classical Indian language. Signup and view all the answers

What is Nirvana?

A state of blissful peace without desire or suffering. Signup and view all the answers

What was Mohenjo-Darro?

An ancient Indian city along the Indus River. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Aryans?

Nomadic herders who migrated into the Indian subcontinent. Signup and view all the answers

What are Brahmans?

Members of the highest Hindu caste. Signup and view all the answers

What are Kshatriyas?

Warriors and rulers in the caste system. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term subcontinent refer to?

A large landmass distinct from the rest of a continent. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Himalayan Mountain Range?

Natural barrier between India and Asia. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about the Indus River?

It is surrounded by fertile land and has unpredictable flooding. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Harappan civilization?

Ancient settlements in the Indus River Valley. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hinduism?

A major religion and cultural tradition of South Asia. Signup and view all the answers

What are Untouchables?

The lowest level of Indian society. Signup and view all the answers

What is reincarnation?

The process by which a soul is reborn until achieving perfect understanding. Signup and view all the answers

What does dharma refer to?

The fulfillment of one's social and religious duties. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Siddhartha Guatama?

A prince who founded Buddhism and became known as Buddha. Signup and view all the answers

What is enlightenment in Buddhism?

A state of gaining spiritual insight and universal truth. Signup and view all the answers

What is fasting?

Going without food as a religious observance. Signup and view all the answers

What is meditation?

The practice of focusing the mind on spiritual ideas. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Caste System in Ancient India

Social hierarchy in Hinduism with no social mobility, divided into specific classes (varnas).
Five main classes:
- Brahmins (priests)
- Kshatriyas (warriors and aristocrats)
- Vaisyas (merchants)
- Sudras (unskilled workers)
- Untouchables (not officially recognized)
Rigid system based on birth, determining job, friends, and marriage.

Concepts in Hinduism and Buddhism

Karma: Principle of cause and effect of actions influencing one's reincarnation.
Reincarnation: Continuous rebirth of the soul in different forms until perfect understanding is achieved.
Dharma: Fulfillment of one's social and religious duties in Hinduism; also a key concept in Buddhism.

Sacred Texts and Language

Vedas: Earliest sacred texts of Hinduism written in Sanskrit, serving as spiritual knowledge.
Sanskrit: The classical language of ancient India, used in religious and literary texts.

Key Historical Figures and Concepts

Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha): Founded Buddhism by seeking enlightenment and advocating for the Middle Way.
Nirvana: State of release from desire and suffering, signifying union with the universe in Buddhism.
Enlightenment: Attainment of spiritual insight and wisdom; ultimate goal for Buddhists.

Ancient Civilizations

Mohenjo-Daro: Well-organized ancient city located along the Indus River, showcasing advanced urban planning.
Harappan Civilization: Flourished near the Indus River Valley around 2300 BC, known for plumbing and sanitation systems.

Geographic Context

Subcontinent: Large landmass distinct from others, exemplified by India.
Himalayan Mountain Range: Natural barrier isolating India from Asia, significantly influencing culture and climate.
Indus River: Major river with unpredictable flooding, surrounded by fertile lands; central to early Indian civilizations.

Untouchables: Lowest tier of society, often relegated to degrading jobs and considered outside the caste system; faced severe discrimination.
Brahmins: Highest caste, consisting of priests and scholars, playing a crucial role in religious rituals and education.

Practices and Beliefs

Fasting: Religious practice of abstaining from food or drink to attain spiritual discipline.
Meditation: Focused mental practice for achieving inner peace and spiritual awareness.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of the Caste System in ancient India through these flashcards. Learn about the different varnas and how they shaped social structure, professions, and daily life in Hindu society. Perfect for students seeking to understand this complex system of stratification.