Indus River Valley Civilization and Religion

What is the primary cause of suffering according to the Four Noble Truths?

Which of the following is NOT one of the Eightfold Path aspects?

What does achieving Nirvana signify in Buddhism?

Which historical figure expanded the Maurya Empire and adopted Buddhism?

Why might a shudra or untouchable be drawn to Buddhism?

Which festival is celebrated to honor Buddha?

What do the 8 Garudhammas primarily emphasize?

What does being bald symbolize in Buddhism?

What were the two major cities of the Indus River Valley civilization?

What was one consequence of the increased food supply in the Indus River Valley?

Which group is considered the highest in the traditional caste system?

What is the term for the belief that one's actions will influence their future reincarnation in Hinduism?

What is meant by 'moksha' in Hinduism?

Which social division in ancient India was known for handling dead animals and people?

What did Siddartha Gautama seek to understand that led to the founding of Buddhism?

Which practice is essential to achieving enlightenment in Buddhism?

Indus River Valley Civilization (IVC)

Two major cities: Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro
Increased food supply led to population growth and specialization of labor (artisans)
Trade networks developed
Urban planning with granaries, sewage systems, and city walls
Taxes and social classes emerged
Environmental changes (earthquakes, drought) caused migration

Religion

Aryans, light-skinned people, migrated from Indo-Europe
Social divisions (Varna) evolved into the caste system.
Caste system initially based on skin color, later on occupation.
Four main varnas: Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors/aristocrats), Vaishyas (merchants), Shudras (peasants)
Untouchables were outside the caste system and handled tasks considered impure.
Fate is determined by birth into a caste.
Concept of reincarnation and karma.
Upanishads focused on one universal soul (Brahman).
Believed in vegetarianism and reincarnation.
Karma dictated one's next life or re-incarnation.
Moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death, was achievable through dharma (righteous living)

Hinduism

Concept of one universal soul, Brahman.
Belief in reincarnation and karma.
Souls may inhabit human or animal forms.

Buddhism

Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha)
Saw human suffering and sought enlightenment.
Achieved nirvana through the eightfold path.
Eightfold Path: right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
Four Noble Truths: suffering is inevitable, suffering's cause is desire, there is an end to suffering, the eightfold path leads to the end of suffering.
Believed in reincarnation and the possibility of achieving nirvana in one lifetime.
Gender equality was a principle in Buddhism.
Holidays like Buddha day involved fasting and honoring the Buddha.

Maurya Empire

Chandragupta Maurya united India
Grandson, Ashoka expanded the empire through trade and warfare
Later converted to Buddhism
Achieved peace through diplomacy, not warfare.

Explore the fascinating aspects of the Indus River Valley Civilization, focusing on its urban planning, trade, and social structures that evolved over time. Delve into the religious beliefs and the development of the caste system, including the roles and significance of different varnas. Understand how concepts like karma and reincarnation shaped their world view.