Chapter 6: Early India Vocabulary Terms

1. Subcontinent – Large landmass that is part of a continent but distinct from it. 2. Monsoon – Strong wind that blows one direction in winter and the opposite direction in summer. 3. Sanskrit – Written language developed by the Aryans.

4.Raja – Name for a prince who led an Aryan tribe in India and ran their own small kingdom. 5.Caste – Social group that a person is born into and cannot change. 6.Guru – A religious teacher and spiritual guide in Hinduism.

7. Aryans – A group of nomadic herders from central and South Asia who invaded and conquered parts of the Indian subcontinent. 8. Suttee – A custom in Indian society that expected a women to follow her dead husband into the crematory flames if he was of a higher caste than she. 9. Varnas – Classes in Indian society.

10. Jati – Porteguese term for social classes. 11. Hinduism – System of religion that grew out of the religion of the Aryans in ancient India. 12. Buddhism – Religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, who taught that the way to find truth was to give up all desires.

13. Brahman – In Hinduism, the universal spirit of which all gods and goddesses are different parts. 14. Reincarnation – Rebirth of the soul or spirit in different bodies over time. 15. Dharma – In Hinduism, the divine law that requires people to perform the duties of their caste.

16. Karma – In Hinduism, the good or bad energy a person builds up based upon whether he or she lives a good or bad life. 17. Nirvana – In Buddhism, a state of wisdom and freedom from the cycle of rebirth. 18. Theocracy – The study of religion and God.

19. Upanishads – Ancient religious writings that say that every living being has a soul that wants to be reunited with Brahman and that this happens when a person dies. 20. Dalai Lama – Name for the Buddhist leader who headed the government and was considered to be a reincarnation of the Buddha on Earth.

21. Dynasty – A line of rulers from the same family. 22. Stupa – Buddhist shrine that is shaped like a dome or mound. 23. Pilgrim – A person who travels to go to a religious shrine or site.

24. Algorithm – In mathematics, a series of steps that solve a problem. 25. Vedas – Ancient Aryan hymns and prayers for religious. YOU ARE FINISHED!!!!!!