Question 1

Discuss the importance of the Achaemenid and Mauryan Empires to world history.What factor or factors do you think explain the successes of these empires? What were the most important weaknesses of these empires?

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Question 2

Compare and contrast the teachings of Zoroaster to those of Hinduism.

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Question 3

In Mahayana Buddhism, bodhisattva are

Accepted Answer

Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have achieved the state of nirvana or enlightenment, but choose to stay in the cycle of rebirth to help others achieve liberation. This is a central concept in Mahayana Buddhism, which emphasizes compassion and altruism. Monasteries and holy sites are not specific to the concept of bodhisattvas.

Question 4

Discuss the major features of the Hindu and Buddhist traditions.What are the similarities between the two groups? Why did Buddhism spread to China and southeast Asia while Hinduism remained in India?

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Question 5

Describe the effect Hellenistic culture had on the Seleucid rule.How were their concepts different from those of Alexander the Great? What were the major contributions of the Greek world to the East,and what was the specific effect on Bactria?

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Question 6

The Puranas became an important part of Hindu religious life during and after the Gupta era and are best described as

Accepted Answer

The Puranas are epic mythological texts that emphasize devotion to specific Hindu gods. They became an important part of Hindu religious life during and after the Gupta era, and are considered a crucial component of Hindu scripture. They provide elaborate descriptions of the creation of the world, the origin and genealogy of various deities, and the stories and exploits of gods and goddesses. They also contain instructions on various religious practices, including worship, meditation, and yoga.

Question 7

What major role did the Steppe people play in the Eurasian subcontinent? How did the Parthians control a vast area? What were the major differences between the rule of the Sakas and Kushans,and the Parthians? In what ways can the Kushans and Sakas be considered important to world history?

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Question 8

How was the first great Indian Empire created? What role did Chandragupta have in this movement? What geographic hurdles had to be overcome to bring the empire together? Why was the interaction with the Greeks important in this development?

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Question 9

What aspects of the Gupta and Sasanid civilizations give rise to the claim that they represent the high point of Indian and Persian civilization? What contributions did each make to their respective cultures?

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Question 10

How did the Achaemenid state rule over a long period of time? What were the main aspects of government control that enhanced the power base? What was the role of religion in this development?

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Question 11

What are the religious origins of the caste system? What are the differences between the main Hindu castes? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the caste system?

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Question 12

Detail the geography and trade routes of the Sasanid and Gupta Empires.Who controlled the main trade routes? What were they trading and with whom? How might trade have affected social,political and cultural development in south Asia?

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Question 13

Which of the following was not among the four basic Aryan varnas?

Accepted Answer

The four basic Aryan varnas were Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors/nobles), Vaishyas (tradespeople), and Shudras (servants). "Peasant" was not a distinct varna.

Question 14

The "Way of the Elders" refers to a Buddhist sect called

Accepted Answer

The "Way of the Elders" is a translation of the term Theravada, which is a Buddhist sect that emphasizes the original teachings of Buddha and holds the Pali Canon as its authoritative scriptures.

Question 15

The "Global Perspective" section at the beginning of the chapter casts doubts upon the progressive "rise of the west" interpretation for the first millennium C.E.Do you agree with their assessment? What model of historical change do you think might better fit world history in this time period?

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Question 16

Why was Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism important in the creation of the Mauryan Empire? How did this development affect world history? What were some of the policies effected by Ashoka?

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Question 17

What were the major teachings of Zoroaster and how did they impact the development of the Persian Empire? How did they impact other religions? What factors brought about the end of Zoroastrianism as a major force in world history?

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Quiz 4: West Asia, Inner Asia, and South Asia to 1000 C.E