Ancient India Social Studies Vocabulary Words and Definitions

Vocabulary– Ancient India subcontinentBuddhism Indus Rivermonk Himalayaskarma Indus PlainFour Noble citadel Paths migrateEightfold Path HarappaMiddle Way Mohenjo-DaroSiddhartha Hinduism Gautama VedasKosala caste system reincarnation dharma

To review vocabulary: Click your way through the slide show with your mouse or touchpad. The vocabulary word will appear on the first slide. The definition will appear on the second slide, along with the vocabulary word. Practice until you are able to give a good definition in your own words. It does not have to be “word for word” – it does need to be accurate and complete. All pictures are of Indian historical figures, statuary, landscapes, maps, and buildings. Good luck and have fun!

Welcome to India Ch. 6 Vocabulary

Subcontinent A large landmass that is geographically separated from the rest of the continent

Indus Plain A vast, dry region south of the Himalayas that is made fertile by deposits of silt from the Indus River

Indus River A river that flows from Tibet, through the Himalayas to the Arabian Sea

Himalayas

Himalayas The world’s highest mountain range, forming the northern border of the Indian subcontinent

Citadel walled fort that protects a city

Migrate to move from one place to another

Harappa city of the ancient Harappan civilization

Mohenjo-Daro City of the ancient Harappan civilization

Hinduism the religion of India that grew out of the beliefs of the ancient Aryan peoples; it stresses that one main force connects all of life

Vedas In Hinduism, the ancient books of sacred songs on which much of which its religious beliefs are based

Caste system the social system in Hindu society in which a person’s place is determined by the rank of the family into which he or she is born

Reincarnation a Hindu belief that people move in a constant cycle of life, death, and rebirth

Dharma laws and duties that instruct Hindus on how to live

Buddhism

A religion founded in India by Siddhartha Gautama which teaches that the most important thing in life is to reach peace by ending suffering.

monk

A man who devotes his life to a religious group, often giving up all he owns.

karma

In Hinduism and Buddhism, the end result of all of a person’s good and bad acts, which determines his or her rebirth.

Four Noble Truths 1. Life means suffering. 2. The origin of suffering is attachment. 3. The cessation of suffering is attainable. 4. The path to the cessation of suffering.

Four Noble Truths In Buddhism, the principles that rule life and promise an end to suffering. 1. Life means suffering. 2. The origin of suffering is attachment. 3. The cessation of suffering is attainable. 4. The path to the cessation of suffering.

Eightfold Path 1. Right View Wisdom 2. Right Intention 3. Right Speech Ethical Conduct 4. Right Action 5. Right Livelihood 6. Right Effort Mental Development 7. Right Mindfulness 8. Right Concentration

Eightfold Path In Buddhism, the basic rules of behavior and belief leading to an end of suffering. 1. Right View Wisdom 2. Right Intention 3. Right Speech Ethical Conduct 4. Right Action 5. Right Livelihood 6. Right Effort Mental Development 7. Right Mindfulness 8. Right Concentration

Middle Way

In Buddhism, a way of life, neither too strict nor too easy, that results from following the Eightfold Path.

Siddhartha Gautama

563? – 483? B.C. Ancient Indian religious leader known as the Buddha, or enlightened One, who founded Buddhism.

Kosala

An ancient kingdom in northern India where Siddhartha Gautama is said to have been born.

Chapter 6 – Ancient India subcontinentBuddhism Indus Rivermonk Himalayaskarma Indus PlainFour Noble citadel Paths migrateEightfold Path HarappaMiddle Way Mohenjo-DaroSiddhartha Hinduism Gautama VedasKosala caste system reincarnation dharma