Ancient India Vocabulary Worksheet

4. The location of one of the world’s earliest civilizations, known for cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
7. The written language developed in ancient India.
10. A time of peace and prosperity when arts, learning, and trade flourished.
12. A social structure that divided Indian society into fixed classes based on birth or occupation.
14. Sacred texts containing the teachings of Buddha.
15. area is flat and has a higher elevation than the surrounding areas.
16. A fortress that overlooks and protects a city.
18. A large landmass that is smaller than a continent, such as India, which is separated by natural barriers like mountains.
19. The belief that a person’s actions in this life determine what happens in future lives.
20. Core Buddhist beliefs that explain suffering and how to overcome it.
22. One of the world’s oldest religions; developed in India and involves belief in many gods and reincarnation.

1. Laws carved on rocks and pillars during Ashoka’s rule to spread moral teachings.
2. An ancient Indian practice where a widow was expected to throw herself onto her husband’s funeral fire (no longer practiced).
3. Writings that explain Hindu beliefs, such as the idea of a universal spirit.
5. A person’s duty or correct behavior according to their class or stage of life.
6. A state of perfect peace and freedom from the cycle of rebirth.
8. A seasonal wind pattern that brings heavy rains in summer and dry air in winter.
9. The rebirth of a soul in a new body.
11. Sacred texts of Hinduism that include hymns and religious teachings.
13. A guide for right living that helps end desire and suffering.
17. A long poem that tells stories of heroes; examples include the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
21. Means “Enlightened One”; title given to Siddhartha Gautama after he reached enlightenment.