CASTE SYSTEM
A Hindu social class system that controls every aspect of daily life.
ARYANS
Nomads from Europe and Asia who migrated to India and finally settled.
GANGES RIVER
Located in India, this river is considered sacred to Hindus and is used for spiritual cleansing, funeral rites, and other Hindu rituals.
HINDUISM
A religion and philosophy developed in ancient India, characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme being who takes many forms.
GUPTA EMPIRE
Golden Age of India; ruled through central government but allowed village power; restored Hinduism.
MAURYAN EMPIRE
The first state to unify most of the Indian subcontinent. It was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 324 B.C.E. and survived until 184 B.C.E.
ASOKA
Third ruler of the Mauryan Empire in India (r. 270-232 B.C.E.). He converted to Buddhism and broadcast his precepts on inscribed stones and pillars.