Ancient India

Social Studies Vocabulary

Words and Definitions

Vocabulary– Ancient Indiasubcontinent BuddhismIndus River monkHimalayas karmaIndus Plain Four Noblecitadel Pathsmigrate Eightfold PathHarappa Middle WayMohenjo-Daro SiddharthaHinduism GautamaVedas Kosalacaste systemreincarnationdharma

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 IndiaCh. 6 Vocabulary

SubcontinentA large landmass that is

geographically separated from the rest of the continent

SubcontinentA large landmass that is

geographically separated from the rest of the continent

Indus PlainA vast, dry region south of the

Himalayas that is made fertile by deposits of silt from the Indus River

Indus PlainA vast, dry region south of the

Himalayas that is made fertile by deposits of silt from the Indus River

Indus RiverA river that flows from Tibet, through

the Himalayas to the Arabian Sea

Indus RiverA river that flows from Tibet, through

the Himalayas to the Arabian Sea

Himalayas

HimalayasThe world’s highest mountain range, forming the northern border of the

Indian subcontinent

Citadelwalled fort that protects a city

Citadelwalled fort that protects a city

Migrateto move from one place to another

Migrateto move from one place to another

Harappacity of the ancient Harappan

civilization

Harappacity of the ancient Harappan

civilization

Mohenjo-DaroCity of the ancient Harappan

civilization

Mohenjo-DaroCity of the ancient Harappan

civilization

Hinduismthe religion of India that grew out of the beliefs of the ancient Aryan peoples; it stresses that

one main force connects all of life

Hinduismthe religion of India that grew out of the beliefs of the ancient Aryan peoples; it stresses that

one main force connects all of life

VedasIn Hinduism, the ancient books of sacred songs on which much of

which its religious beliefs are based

VedasIn Hinduism, the ancient books of sacred songs on which much of

which its religious beliefs are based

Caste systemthe 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

Caste systemthe 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

Reincarnationa Hindu belief that people move in a

constant cycle of life, death, and rebirth

Reincarnationa Hindu belief that people move in a

constant cycle of life, death, and rebirth

Dharmalaws and duties that instruct Hindus

on how to live

Dharmalaws and duties that instruct Hindus

on how to live

Buddhism

BuddhismA religion founded in India by

Siddhartha Gautama which teaches that the most important thing in life is

to reach peace by ending suffering.

monk

monkA man who devotes his life to a

religious group, often giving up all he owns.

karma

karmaIn 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 TruthsIn 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 ViewWisdom

2. Right Intention

3. Right Speech

Ethical Conduct4. Right Action

5. Right Livelihood

6. Right Effort

Mental Development7. Right Mindfulness

8. Right Concentration

Eightfold PathIn Buddhism, the basic rules of

behavior and belief leading to an end of suffering.

1. Right ViewWisdom

2. Right Intention

3. Right Speech

Ethical Conduct4. Right Action

5. Right Livelihood

6. Right Effort

Mental Development7. Right Mindfulness

8. Right Concentration

Middle Way

Middle WayIn Buddhism, a way of life, neither too strict nor too easy, that results from

following the Eightfold Path.

Siddhartha Gautama

Siddhartha Gautama563? – 483? B.C.

Ancient Indian religious leader known as the Buddha, or enlightened One, who founded

Buddhism.

Kosala

KosalaAn ancient kingdom in northern India where Siddhartha Gautama is said to

have been born.

Chapter 6 – Ancient Indiasubcontinent BuddhismIndus River monkHimalayas karmaIndus Plain Four Noblecitadel Pathsmigrate Eightfold PathHarappa Middle WayMohenjo-Daro SiddharthaHinduism GautamaVedas Kosalacaste systemreincarnationdharma