Across
- 3. A major trans-boundary river of northern India, considered the most sacred river in Hinduism.
- 4. A state on India's tropical Malabar Coast, known for its palm-lined beaches, backwaters, and high literacy rate.
- 6. the first empire to cover most of the Indian subcontinent, with its peak under Emperor Ashoka.
- 8. An adherent of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion that originated in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century.
- 10. A major river in South Asia, flowing from Tibet through India and Pakistan, and the namesake of India. It was also the cradle of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.
- 14. A group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices originating in ancient India, aimed at disciplining the mind and body.
- 15. A term referring to the Sea, a large body of water bordering western India.
- 16. The primary antagonist in the ancient Hindu epic, the Ramayana; the demon king who kidnapped Sita.
- 17. A large metropolitan area and union territory in northern India, the capital of India.
- 18. A major port city in eastern India, formerly known as Calcutta, which served as the capital of British India.
- 19. The Hindi word for "tea," commonly referring to a popular beverage in India made with black tea, milk, sugar, and spices.
- 23. A major Hindu festival, known as the "Festival of Lights," celebrating the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
- 25. A traditional social class system in Hinduism, historically determining a person's occupation and social status.
- 26. Also known as the Great Indian Desert, a large, arid region in northwestern India.
Down
- 1. A powerful early-modern Islamic empire in India famous for its architectural achievements like the Taj Mahal.
- 2. An ancient Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence (ahimsa) towards all living beings.
- 5. An island in Mumbai Harbor famous for its ancient cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
- 7. A famous emperor of ancient India's Mauryan Empire, renowned for promoting Buddhism after a transformative experience in a bloody war.
- 9. A major world religion founded in the 7th century, professing that there is only one God (Allah) and Muhammad is His prophet.
- 11. Mahatma Gandhi, the primary leader of India's independence movement and pioneer of non-violent civil disobedience.
- 12. The informal name for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, India, known for its vibrant, musical-driven movies.
- 13. A traditional women's garment from the Indian subcontinent, consisting of a long drape of unstitched cloth.
- 16. A large state in northwestern India known for its desert, majestic forts, and palaces.
- 20. A village in southern India known for the extensive, stunning ruins of the medieval Vijayanagara Empire.
- 21. A vast mountain range in Asia, separating the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau, and home to Earth's highest peaks.
- 22. A popular Hindu spring festival, known as the "Festival of Colors," where people throw colored powder and water at each other.
- 24. The first Prime Minister of independent India and a central figure in its independence movement.