Across
- 2. A religion and philosophy based on the teachings of the Buddha, emphasizing the Four Noble Truths (the truth of suffering, the cause of suffering, the end of suffering, and the path to the end of suffering) and the Eightfold Path.
- 4. An ancient Indo-European language of India, primarily known as the sacred language of Hinduism and the classical literary language of ancient Indian texts such as the Vedas and the Upanishads.
- 5. A large landmass that is smaller than a continent, often used to refer to the Indian subcontinent, which includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
- 9. The belief that the soul undergoes a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, with the nature of the next life determined by one's actions and karma in previous lives. It is a central tenet of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
- 10. An ancient Indian religion that emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness, and asceticism. Jains strive to attain spiritual liberation (moksha) by following a path of non-violence and self-discipline.
- 12. A monotheistic religion founded in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Sikhism emphasizes equality, service, and devotion to God.
- 13. A principle of abstaining from violence or harm towards others, central to the teachings of Jainism and a significant aspect of Hindu and Buddhist ethics.
- 14. A mixture of two or more metals, or a metal and a non-metal, often combined to improve the properties of the base metal, such as strength or resistance to corrosion.
- 15. System A social hierarchy prevalent in India, characterized by hereditary social classes with limited mobility. Traditionally, there are four main castes (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras), as well as Dalits (formerly known as "untouchables") who were historically marginalized.
- 16. The predominant religion in India, characterized by a diverse array of beliefs, practices, and deities. Central concepts include karma (the law of cause and effect), dharma (duty or righteousness), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).
- 18. Also known as Ashoka the Great, he was an ancient Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled most of the Indian subcontinent from c. 268 to 232 BCE. Asoka is known for his efforts to spread Buddhism and promote religious tolerance and non-violence.
Down
- 1. A practice of focusing the mind and achieving a state of mental clarity, relaxation, and heightened awareness. Meditation is integral to many Eastern spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Buddha Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, who lived in ancient India and attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
- 3. Individuals or groups who spread religious teachings or beliefs to others, often by traveling to different regions or communities.
- 6. In Buddhism, the state of ultimate liberation and enlightenment, characterized by the cessation of suffering and the end of the cycle of rebirth.
- 7. Seasonal winds that bring heavy rainfall, particularly to the Indian subcontinent. Monsoons are crucial for agriculture but can also lead to flooding and other weather-related challenges.
- 8. The belief that actions in this life, whether good or bad, will have consequences in future lives. It is a central concept in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
- 11. The branch of science and technology concerned with the properties of metals and their production and purification.
- 15. Gupta II: Also known as Chandragupta II, he was one of the most powerful emperors of the Gupta Empire in ancient India, ruling from c. 380 to c. 415 CE. His reign is considered a golden age of Indian civilization, marked by advancements in art, science, and literature.
- 17. The practice of abstaining from food or certain types of food for a specific period, often for spiritual or religious reasons. Fasting is observed in various religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.