Deck 7: India and Southeast Asia

Question 1

The reincarnation of a person's immortal essence - their atman - into a given class depends on:

A) economic standing in society.
B) karma or deeds in life.
C) physical strength.
D) place within the caste system.
E) divine grace.

Answer 1

karma or deeds in life.

Question 2

The underlying message of the cycle of reincarnation is that you are where you deserve to be, and the only way to improve your lot in the next cycle of existence is to:

A) Strive for economic success.
B) Be the best and strongest human being you can be.
C) Accept your current situation and its attendant duties.
D) Always work to change your life and the world around you.
E) Enlightenment is the right of all of humanity.

Answer 2

Accept your current situation and its attendant duties.

Question 3

Some followers of Buddhism took vows of

A) social service and humanism.
B) marriage and parenthood.
C) fealty, loyalty, and knighthood.
D) extravagance and epicurianism.
E) celibacy, nonviolence, and poverty.

Answer 3

celibacy, nonviolence, and poverty.

Question 4

A persistent discrimination problem in Indian society is traceable to the Vedic Age, which placed on the top of its social ladder:

A) Aryas, who spoke Dravidian and were pushed into the south.
B) Aryas, who were Indo-European and lighter skinned.
C) Dasas, who spoke Indo-European and lived in the north.
D) Dasas, who spoke an unrelated dialect that hasn't been translated.
E) a distraction allowed the Tamils to overthrow both.

Question 5

Jainism adherents believed in extreme nonviolence, to the extent they

A) would not inhale bugs.
B) would not wear silk
C) would not practice agriculture
D) practiced extreme asceticism.
E) all of these.

Question 6

The Brahmins may have delayed the introduction of writing because

A) religious rituals depended on the performance of incantations.
B) oral tradition had survived so long that they did not have a written form of Sanskrit until much later.
C) they were trying to protect their status within society as the keepers of knowledge.
D) they were opposed to the introduction of foreign technology.
E) they didn't oppose writing; we just haven't translated it yet.

Question 7

The varna system developed in order to create

A) a uniform legal code in India.
B) social order between groups.
C) standardized religious beliefs.
D) an integrated economic system to aid merchants.
E) a trained army of citizen soldiers.

Question 8

The Indian "subcontinent" typically refers to India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and ___.

A) Sri Lanka
B) Persia
C) Vietnam
D) Singapore
E) Egypt

Question 9

Indian ritual sacrifices were intended to

A) provide individual rewards.
B) unleash nature's forces.
C) invigorate the gods and thereby sustain their creative powers and promote stability in the world.
D) provide mobility within the caste system.
E) "weed out" those with bad karma.

Question 10

The Hindu concept of the release from the cycle of reincarnation is called:

A) samsara.
B) yoga.
C) jati.
D) moksha.
E) atman.

Question 11

Which of the following statements about women in the Vedic Age cannot be learned from Vedic literature?

A) They are depicted as slaves to men.
B) They are depicted as strong and resourceful, reflecting a favorable position in society.
C) They could own property.
D) They were usually married in their mid to late teens.
E) They studied sacred lore and composed religious hymns.

Question 12

Siddhartha Gautama articulated the "Four Noble Truths," which taught that life is suffering, that suffering is caused by desire, that the solution to suffering is curbing one's desires, and that:

A) desire can be curbed by following the Eightfold Path.
B) life is mystical and ephemeral.
C) the meaning of life can be understood by worshiping a plethora of gods and deities.
D) humanity is sinful by nature.
E) the worship of God is the highest calling of man.

Question 13

Three harvests each year have been possible in some parts of India because of

A) the volcanic nature of the Indian soil.
B) the conservative crops grown in India.
C) high rainfall from the monsoons.
D) traditionally advanced agricultural techniques.
E) the construction of aqueducts for irrigation.

Question 14

The Vedic Age was a new historical period in India marked by

A) religious texts that are the main source of information about the period.
B) the migration of merchant traders into India.
C) the emergence of the Vedic Empire.
D) a new weather pattern, the Vedic Storms.
E) a switch to the Vedic alphabet.

Question 15

The seasonal winds in the Indian Ocean caused by the differences in temperature between the rapidly heating and cooling landmasses of Africa and Asia and the slowly changing ocean waters are called:

A) tsunamis.
B) waterspouts.
C) monsoons.
D) typhoons.
E) hurricanes.

Question 16

The "Eightfold Path" of right views includes all of the following except:

A) speech
B) conduct
C) meditation
D) effort
E) critical thought

Question 17

The ultimate spiritual reward in Buddhism is

A) material wealth.
B) nirvana.
C) everlasting life in heaven.
D) union with the ancestors.
E) union with the gods.

Question 18

Buddhism and Jainism gained popularity in the late Vedic period because

A) they tapped into the wellspring of popular discontent with the status and ranking of Brahmins.
B) there was more trade going on with China and missionaries were sent.
C) naturalistic religions were felt to be more in keeping with the sky-gods of old.
D) they offered insight or enlightenment as a path to salvation instead of rituals.
E) each posited polygamy as an option.

Question 19

The collection of Indian detailed prose descriptions of procedures for ritual and sacrifice is the:

A) Ramayana.
B) Upanishads.
C) Dammapada.
D) Brahmanas.
E) Bhagavad-Gita.

Question 20

Calling into question the priests exclusive hold on salvation, which of the following was a way that individuals sought an alternative path to salvation?

A) Practicing yoga
B) Practicing meditation
C) Eating a special diet
D) Moving to the forest
E) All of the above

Question 21

The major reason the Mauryan Empire collapsed was

A) overextension.
B) demand for resources by the administrative and military complex.
C) the nonmaterialist part of Buddhism as espoused by Ashoka, which caused economic collapse.
D) conquest by the Mongols.
E) religious revolts against Buddhism led by Brahmins eager to regain their power.

Question 22

Why is the Gupta Empire described as a "theater-state"?

A) It used actors as administrative officials
B) It hired foreign armies to enforce policies
C) It shared the wealth of the empire with all equally
D) The splendor and ceremonies of court advertised the benefits of empire
E) They sacrificed their enemies in an open theater

Question 23

Called "the preserver," this more popular Hindu deity in the north of India is:

A) Shiva
B) Deva
C) Vishnu
D) Krishna
E) Kali

Question 24

The idea of gods having avatars is demonstrated in Devi/Kali, who represents

A) fertility and old age.
B) planting and harvesting.
C) fire and water.
D) creation and destruction.
E) chaos and order.

Question 25

Which of the following has not been a factor in India's habitual political fragmentation?

A) The extremely varied Indian landscape
B) The many different forms of economic activity
C) India's complex social hierarchy
D) Many languages and cultural practices
E) Repeated interference by China in Indian affairs

Question 26

What was the greatest advantage of the Gupta Empire army?

A) trebuchets.
B) a well armed cavalry
C) an elaborate spy network
D) gunpowder from the Xiongnu
E) the imperial road system

Question 27

The classical form of the Hindu temple emerged in what era?

A) Vedic.
B) Brahmin.
C) Gupta
D) Mauriyan
E) Deccan.

Question 28

One of the most important contributions made by Gupta intellectuals was the development of "Arabic numerals" and the

A) concept of zero.
B) astronomical telescope.
C) development of a written Indian language.
D) invention of the maritime compass.
E) invention of gunpowder.

Question 29

The ______ (circle) theory of foreign policy states that the "My enemy's enemy is my friend."

A) mandala
B) Maurya.
C) Buddhist.
D) realist
E) moksha

Question 30

The three Tamil kingdoms were known for which intellectual output?

A) standardization of Sanskrit.
B) development of iron technology.
C) great literary and artistic productivity.
D) a scientific center of astronomy.
E) building the first university in India.

Question 31

The most important form of Indian sacred literature is the

A) the Iliad and the Odyssey.
B) the Vedas and the Upanishads.
C) The Tripitaka and The Collected Works of Nagarjuna.
D) The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Laws of Manu.
E) Bhagavad-Gita.

Question 32

One of the most sacred places for pilgrimage in Hinduism is

A) the Deccan plain.
B) Shiva's temple in Bengal
C) the Khyber pass
D) the top of the Himalayas.
E) the Ganges River.

Question 33

One of the most common forms of worship in Hinduism is doing service to a deity by bathing, clothing, or feeding its statue is called:

A) puja
B) avataras.
C) stupas
D) bodhisattvas
E) Theravada.

Question 34

Buddhists who followed the original teachings of the Buddha were called practitioners of Theravada, while those who followed more popular newer features were called:

A) practitioners of Aryanism.
B) "embracers of the new concepts."
C) Yogacarans.
D) practitioners of Mahayana.
E) the School of the Lightning Bolt.

Question 35

The Mauryan leader Ashoka converted to Buddhism and became a unique leader because

A) of his visions and revelations.
B) of his lifetime dedication to nonviolence, morality, and moderation.
C) of Buddhist support for his government policies.
D) he was overwhelmed by the brutality of his early conquests.
E) of his abdication in favor of Siddhartha Gautama.

Question 36

Large earthen mounds symbolizing the universe built over relics of the cremated remains of Buddha are called:

A) bodhisattvas
B) stupas
C) nirvanas
D) sacred edifices
E) stone gateways

Question 37

Buddhists who had found enlightenment and were on the eve of nirvana but who chose to be reborn into a new body in order to help others along the path of salvation were called:

A) kshatria
B) bodhisattva
C) stupas
D) skyclad
E) red-hat

Question 38

The Gupta kings were patrons of which of the following:

A) Hindu.
B) Buddhist.
C) Jain.
D) Brahmins in exchange for land.
E) All of the above.

Question 39

The earliest deciphered Indian writing was

A) a copy of the Baghavad-Gita.
B) epic poetry.
C) law codes outlining the varnas.
D) the edicts of Ashoka inscribed on stone pillars.
E) the Lotus sutras of Nichiren Buddhism.

Question 40

Hinduism can be described as an evolution of the Vedic religions because it had roots in Buddhism and south Indian religious practices, and:

A) it adapted its notions of eternal time to be closer to those of Buddhism and therefore attract more followers.
B) it focused on fewer gods and became a more organized religion.
C) it was based on the Vedas, but these were finally written down in an orthodox form with prescribed formats.
D) it combined Aryan and Dravidian elements.
E) unlike Buddhism, Hinduism argues that the atman evolves into an enlightened spirit that retains the self.

Question 41

Identify the following term(s).
Hinduism

Question 42

Identify the following term(s).
Vedas

Question 43

The first major Southeast Asian center, Funan, dominated what key location for trade?

A) Hong Kong
B) Bo Hai
C) The Isthmus of Kra
D) Indonesia
E) the South China Sea

Question 44

Identify the following term(s).
moksha

Question 45

The strategic importance of Southeast Asia was due to regional natural resources and the region first rose to prominence because

A) it was safe from Mongol and Chinese invasions.
B) of its high population density.
C) it was an intermediary in regional trade.
D) of plentiful rainfall and tropical temperatures.
E) of abundant natural resources.

Question 46

Most of Southeast Asia's early commerce was conducted with

A) India and China.
B) the Sasanid Empire.
C) Egypt.
D) Armenia.
E) the Scythians.

Question 47

Identify the following term(s).
Mahayana Buddhism

Question 48

Southeast Asia is described as a "geologically active zone," meaning that

A) it has open plains that are excellent for herding animals.
B) it has river valleys mixed with a warm dry climate, perfect for agriculture.
C) it has dry, rocky soil and heavy rainfall, which promote microorganisms.
D) the islands are the tops of a chain of volcanoes.
E) it suffers plate tectonic activity.

Question 49

Identify the following term(s).
Theravada Buddhism

Question 50

Which of the following were Hindu-Buddhist influences from India into the Malay region?

A) models of bureaucracy
B) ceremonial practices
C) forms of artistic representation
D) employed priests and scribes
E) all of the above

Question 51

Identify the following term(s).
monsoon

Question 52

During the Gupta period, India developed an extensive land and sea trading network by exporting what products largely in exchange for Chinese silk and Indonesian spices?

A) Silk, spices, and porcelain
B) Cotton cloth, ivory, metalwork, and animals
C) Slaves, sugar, and lapis lazuli
D) Cattle, blue dye, and sandalwood
E) Religious implements, incense, and paraffin

Question 53

The most important cultural influences on Southeast Asian kingdoms came from

A) Japan.
B) China.
C) Polynesia.
D) India.
E) Australia.

Question 54

The Gupta Empire collapsed in 550 C.E.

A) when Emperor Gupta was charged with corruption.
B) when the Mandate of Heaven signaled the end of the dynasty.
C) after invasions by the Huns of Central Asia.
D) when popular sovereignty became the will of the people.
E) due to overspending on temple construction.

Question 55

Identify the following term(s).
varna

Question 56

Identify the following term(s).
Buddha

Question 57

Which of the following are not among the plant and animal species that thrive in Southeast Asia?

A) Rice and soybeans
B) Coconuts, bananas, and sugar cane
C) Chickens and pigs
D) Yams and cocoyams
E) Wheat and water buffalo

Question 58

The Srivijayan kingdom is renowned for allying with Buddhists to build one of the most famous temples in

A) Sri Lanka.
B) Singapore.
C) Borobodur.
D) Funan.
E) Malacca.

Question 59

Identify the following term(s).
Brahmin

Question 60

Identify the following term(s).
karma

Question 61

Describe the aftermath of the collapse of the Indus River Valley civilization and the advent of the Vedic Age in terms of geography, technology, and class divisions.

Question 62

Identify the following term(s).
Srivijaya

Question 63

At the end of the Vedic period, the authority of the Brahmins was challenged by individuals seeking new spiritual answers. What was the result of this challenge?

Question 64

Identify the following term(s).
Mahabharata

Question 65

Discuss the effects of polytheism and the lack of unification in India prior to Ashoka.

Question 66

Identify the following term(s).
theater-state

Question 67

Identify the following term(s).
Gupta Empire

Question 68

Describe the rise and importance of the Mauryan Empire.

Question 69

Identify the following term(s).
Hindu Kush

Question 70

Identify the following term(s).
Funan

Question 71

Identify the following term(s).
Bhagavad-Gita

Question 72

Identify the following term(s).
Tamil kingdoms

Question 73

Identify the following term(s).
Jainism

Question 74

Identify the following term(s).
Kama Sutra

Question 75

Identify the following term(s).
Ashoka

Question 76

Traditionally, what are the duties of a young Indian man through the ideal life cycle? Can you imagine a similar life cycle for yourself?

Question 77

Identify the following term(s).
Vishnu

Question 78

Identify the following term(s).
Borobodur

Question 79

Identify the following term(s).
Mauryan Empire

Question 80

The chapter opener takes an excerpt from the Bhagavad-Gita. How is the story of Arjuna and Krishna a perfect metaphor for understanding the meaning of God in Hinduism as well as the importance of karma and reincarnation?