Chapter VII

Review

Why is “diversity” an apt word to describe India?

It has a history of political division and class divisions.

It has many deities.

It has many languages and ethnic groups.

Northern India is bordered by the

Himalayas

Three harvests each year have been possible in some parts of India because of

high rainfall from the monsoons

The Vedic Age was a new historical period in India marked by

the migration of Indo-Europeans into India

The varna system developed in order to

create social harmony between groups.

The class and caste systems in India were connected to

a widespread belief in reincarnation.

The reincarnation of the atman into a given class depends on

karma or deeds in life.

What is the underlying message of the cycle of reincarnation?

Accept your place and duties in life.

Indian ritual sacrifices were intended to

promote stability in the world.

The Brahmins were important because

they knew how to perform essential sacrifices correctly.

The collection of Indian poetic hymns dedicated to the various deities and describing sacred practices is

the Rig Veda.

What does the literature of the Vedic Age reveal about the role of women?

They are depicted as strong and resourceful, reflecting a favorable position in society.

Individuals sought an alternative path to salvation by practicing

yoga.

special diet.

meditation.

To be released from the cycle of reincarnation is the concept of

moksha.

Jainism emphasizes the principles of

nonviolence and asceticism.

Siddhartha Gautama articulated the “Four Noble Truths,” which taught that

life is suffering and suffering is caused by desire.

The ultimate spiritual reward in Buddhism is

nirvana.

The foundation of the Hindu religion is

the Vedic religion of northern Indian Aryans.

Hinduism emphasized

the worshiper’s devotion to a particular deity

The habit of Hindu pilgrimage is most important because it promotes

contact, exchanges of ideas, and a broad Hindu identity.

The reasons for India’s habitual political fragmentation has historically been

India’s complex social hierarchy.

the extremely varied Indian landscape.

the many different forms of economic activity.

The Mauryan government was supported by

a high tax on agricultural crops.

In order to improve trade, the Mauryan Empire

issued standard coinage throughout the empire.

The Mauryan leader Ashoka converted to Buddhism and became a unique leader because of

his dedication to nonviolence, morality, and moderation.

The chief source of revenue for the Gupta Empire was

a 25 percent tax on agricultural produce.

The Gupta Empire maintained tight control in the core of the empire through

a powerful national army.

Why is the Gupta Empire described as a “theater-state”?

Splendor and ceremonies of court advertised the benefits of empire.

One of the most important contributions made by Gupta intellectuals was the

concept of zero.

From evidence in Gupta literature and plays, Indian women’s situation since the Vedic period had

worsened.

During the Gupta period, trade was conducted with

China.

the Roman Empire.

Southeast Asia.

An extensive trade network developed on land and sea based on which Indian export products?

Cotton cloth, ivory, and metalwork

Southeast Asia first rose to prominence because

it was an intermediary in regional trade.

Southeast Asia has important natural resources such as

fertile volcanic soil and tropical climate.

The plant and animal species that thrive in Southeast Asia are:

coconuts, bananas, rice, soybeans, sugar cane, chickens and pigs.

What impressive navigational skills did the Malay people develop?

Riding monsoon winds, and navigating using wave patterns, clouds, and swells

Southeast Asian state building was based on

commerce, especially the silk and spice trade, and Hindu/Buddhist culture.

The first major Southeast Asian center, Funan, declined because of

a shift in international trade routes.

The Srivijayan kingdom based its power on control of:

the river ports of former Srivijayan rivals.

the fertile rice lands of Java.

the upland region of the Sumatran interior.

The most important cultural influences on Southeast Asian kingdoms came from

India.