| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Hindu Kush | Some of the largest mountain ranges on earth located in North East India. |
| Himalayas | Some of the largest mountain ranges on earth located in North West India. |
| Indus River | Big river on northwest side of India |
| Punjab | Region where rivers flow |
| Ganges River | Big river on east side of India |
| Khyber Pass | Mountain pass that allows entry into India |
| Bolan Pass | Mountain pass that allows entry into India |
| Monsoons | Seasonal winds that pass through India in the Summer and Winter. |
| Deccan | Fertile area between mountains and Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. It is fertile because winds pass through all year and there are downpours all year. |
| Sir Mortimer Wheeler | Explorer that began exploring India in the 1920's. |
| Harappa | First city in India |
| Mohenjo-Daro | Biggest city in India |
| Aryan Civilization | First civilization of India. Not unified under a single ruler. |
| Sanskrit | Language of Hindus |
| Arya | Means "noble; free." |
| Indo-European | Family of languages that were spoken throughout Europe and in parts of southwestern and southern Asia |
| Vedas | Religious texts from Hindus. Reg-veda, the first veda, told stories of gods interacting with man, but did not give a lot of information about the gods. |
| Upanishads | Last of the vedas that contained religious texts that explained more about the gods as well as creation stories. |
| Rajah | Indian Ruler. Is not all-powerful. Responsible for military affairs and aided by a council of priests. |
| Brahmin | Priests that could get in touch with the gods. They had to follow a certain method to be in the presence of the gods. Highest rank in the caste system. |
| Kshatriyas | Second highest rank in caste system, made up of the Military. |
| Vaisyas | Third highest rank in caste system, composed of Artisans, potters, etc. |
| Sudras | Lowest caste in caste system. Did not have any specialities and had the lowest class jobs. |
| Indra | God of war and conflict. Archaeologists think he was the most worshiped god. |
| Mahabharata | Epic poem that told of 5 brothers that are sons of the king. They lose their kingdom and regain it back with teamwork! |
| Vedic Hinduism | Different from western religions; very polytheistic. |
| Bhagavad-Gita | Idea that there is life in death (reincarnation). Immortality and duties come before personal interest. |
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