Geography and Civilization of India Quiz

A large landmass that juts out from a continent. The Indian subcontinent includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan.

The Indian subcontinent is divided into three zones: the Gangetic Plain, the Deccan Plateau, and the coastal plains on either side of the Deccan.

Seasonal winds that regularly blow from a certain direction for part of the year. They are crucial to the agriculture of the Indian subcontinent.

The Indus Valley Civilization, located in present-day Pakistan, flourished for about 700 years, starting around 2600 B.C. It predates the rise of the Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations.

They have not yet discovered any names of kings or queens, tax records, literature, or accounts of famous victories. The written remains are primarily small clay seals with short inscriptions.

Archaeologists believe that at least five large cities, including Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, were prominent during the Indus Valley Civilization. These cities were well-planned and indicate an organized government.

Most people in the Indus Valley Civilization were farmers. They grew wheat, barley, melons, and dates. They also cultivated cotton and wove it into cloth, possibly the first to do so.

The Indus Valley Civilization declined around 1900 B.C. The reasons for its decline are still debated, but a possible factor is a shift in climate, such as a drought.

A period of great cultural achievement and prosperity in India, marked by flourishing trade, advancements in art, science, and literature.

A strong central government under the Gupta emperors that promoted peace and prosperity, enabling trade and agricultural growth.

The Gupta Empire saw advancements in mathematics, including the development of the decimal system and the concept of zero, revolutionizing how numbers are represented and used.

Buddhist centers of learning like Nalanda attracted students from all over Asia and offered education in various disciplines including mathematics, medicine, physics, languages, and literature.

The Gupta period saw significant advancements in medical practices, including the use of herbs and remedies, surgical skills in bone-setting, and the early development of vaccination against smallpox.

The ideal family structure in Gupta India was a joint family, where parents, children, and their offspring lived together in a shared dwelling.

The decline of the Gupta Empire was attributed to several factors, including weak rulers, civil war, and invasions by the White Huns, who ultimately destroyed the empire's cities and trade.

The Gupta Empire's decline resulted in a fragmentation of India into smaller kingdoms, and a similar powerful empire wouldn't emerge for nearly a thousand years.

The father or oldest male in a family headed the household. Adult sons continued to live with their parents even after marriage and having children. The daughter would go to live with her husband and his family.

Family interests came before individual wishes. Children worked with older relatives in the fields or at a family trade. A daughter learned to serve and obey her husband and his family. A son learned the rituals to honor the family's ancestors.

In early Aryan society, women seemed to have a higher status than in later times. Aryan women even composed a few Vedic hymns.

By late Gupta times, upper-class women were increasingly restricted to the home, covering themselves from head to foot when going outside. Lower-class women labored in the fields or worked at spinning and weaving.

Women were expected to get married and have children. They were expected to have shakti, which gave them creative energy that men did not have.

For women to rebirth into a higher existence was gained through devotion to her husband. Often, a widow was expected to join her dead husband on his funeral fire.

A widow who joined her dead husband on his funeral fire became a sati, or virtuous woman. Some widows accepted this painful death as a noble duty that wiped out their own and their husbands' sins. Other women bitterly resisted the custom.

In India's history, the village was at the heart of daily life. The size of villages varied, from just a few people to hundreds of families. A typical village included a cluster of homes made of earth or stone.

A philosophy that emphasizes living in harmony with nature, characterized by a simple lifestyle and a focus on the flow of the universe.

A collection of sayings and teachings attributed to Confucius, focusing on social order and harmony, ethics, and good governance.

A concept in Chinese philosophy representing the belief that the universe is governed by opposing forces, such as light and dark, that work together in balance and harmony.

A period of 221-206 BC in Chinese history, marked by the unification of the country under the rule of Qin Shi Huang.

A period of 202 BC - 220 AD known for its stability and prosperity, expansion of the empire, and the Silk Road.

A Chinese philosophy founded by Confucius (551-479 BC), emphasizing ethical behavior, social harmony, and filial piety.

A Chinese concept that suggests a divine mandate granted by Heaven to a ruler, justifying their rule.

A cycle in Chinese history where a new dynasty rises to power, restores order, and eventually declines, leading to another dynasty taking over.

A period of great cultural, scientific, and economic prosperity in Chinese history, marked by significant advancements in various fields.

A system where government officials were selected based on their skills and knowledge acquired through education, rather than their family connections.

Inventions made during the Han dynasty, such as paper, the seismograph, and acupuncture.

The Han dynasty collapsed due to internal conflicts, such as powerful warlords challenging the emperor's authority, and external threats, like invaders crossing the Great Wall and establishing their own kingdoms.

These groups emerged during the Han dynasty's decline. They were peasant rebels who formed secret societies to resist the weakening central government.

A Chinese philosophy that emphasizes strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain order. Legalists believe that human nature is inherently evil and that strong, centralized authority is necessary for societal stability.

Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of the Qin dynasty, implemented a policy of book burning, destroying all texts except those related to law, agriculture, and medicine. He aimed to control information and eliminate dissenting ideas.

Shi Huangdi abolished feudalism and replaced the feudal states with 36 military districts, each governed by a loyal official. This centralized power in the Qin dynasty and weakened the local rulers.

The Great Wall of China, a massive defensive structure, was built during the Qin dynasty to protect the Chinese empire from nomadic invaders from the north.

The Qin dynasty collapsed due to its harsh rule and overtaxation, which led to widespread discontent and rebellion. The oppressive policies created instability and paved the way for the Han dynasty.

After the Qin dynasty's collapse, the Han dynasty emphasized a more balanced approach, restoring order and reducing the oppressive policies of the Qin. They lowered taxes, eased Legalist policies, and appointed Confucian scholars as advisors.

Emperor Wudi strengthened the Han Empire by improving the economy, setting up an imperial university, and investing in infrastructure like canals and roads. He also maintained control over grain prices, ensuring food security for the people.

The Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting China to the West, flourished during the Han dynasty. It facilitated trade in goods and ideas, contributing to economic growth and cultural exchange.