Ancient India

What were the two major cities of ancient Indus Valley? Choose all that apply.

• Sumer

• Thebes

• Mohenjo-daro

• Harappa

Answer explanation

The two major cities of the ancient Indus Valley civilization are Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. These cities were known for their advanced urban planning and architecture, distinguishing them from other ancient cultures.

Why do we know less about the Indus Valley than other civilizations?

• We haven't found ancient artifacts and ruins.

• We have not discovered the location of the civilization.

• We can't interpret their writing.

• We do not have anyone who has survived from the civilization to ask.

Answer explanation

We know less about the Indus Valley civilization primarily because we can't interpret their writing. This limits our understanding of their culture, beliefs, and daily life, unlike other civilizations with deciphered texts.

What were two things that developed in the Indus River Valley (aka Harappan civilization)?

• sewer system

• Sanskrit

• temples

• grid-like streets

Answer explanation

The Indus River Valley civilization is known for its advanced urban planning, which included a sophisticated sewer system for sanitation and grid-like streets that facilitated organized city layouts.

What determines which caste a person is reborn into?

• wealth

• karma

• language

• dharma

Answer explanation

A person's rebirth into a specific caste is determined by their karma, which reflects their actions and moral choices in past lives. Wealth, language, and dharma do not directly influence caste in the context of reincarnation.

The highest class in Aryan society was

• Vaisyas.

• Brahmins.

• Kshatriyas.

• Sudras.

Answer explanation

In Aryan society, the Brahmins were considered the highest class, responsible for religious rituals and teachings. They held significant power and influence, distinguishing them from the other classes like Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras.

The lowest caste of the caste system was the

• Untouchables.

• Brahmins.

• Sudras.

• Kshatriyas

Answer explanation

The lowest caste in the traditional caste system is the Sudras, who are often associated with labor and service roles. Untouchables, while marginalized, are not classified as a formal caste within the system.

Buddhism is based on the teaching from ________.

• God

• Asoka

• Siddhartha Gautama

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Answer explanation

Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha. He founded Buddhism and his insights form the core of its philosophy and practices.

The ultimate goal of a Buddhist is to reach ___________________ which means a state of peace, happiness, and wisdom.

• Adulthood

• Brahmana

• Enlightenment

• Nirvana

Answer explanation

The ultimate goal of a Buddhist is to reach Nirvana, which signifies a state of peace, happiness, and wisdom, transcending suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

During the ___________________ empire, science and education grew into what one might call a “golden age”.

• Sharma

• Gupta

• Mauryan

• Shang

Answer explanation

The Gupta Empire, from around 320 to 550 CE, is known for its significant advancements in science, mathematics, and education, marking a golden age in Indian history, unlike the earlier Mauryan or other mentioned empires.

Hindus believe in reincarnation in any form depending on whether they followed their _______ in their previous life.

• Karma

• Sharma

• Behavior

• Dharma

Answer explanation

Hindus believe in reincarnation based on their adherence to 'Dharma', which refers to their moral and ethical duties. Following one's Dharma in a previous life influences the form of reincarnation in the next life.