Mrs. Jones Unit 1 Vocabulary

Caste System

Social class structure in India that is determined by birth.

Brahmins

#1 in caste system. Priests, Academics

Kshatriyas

#2 in caste system. Rulers, Administrators, Warriors

Vaishyas

#3 in caste system. Artisans, Tradesmen, Farmers, Merchants

Shudras

#4 in caste system. Manual Laborers

Dalits

Very bottom of caste system. “untouchables”, Street cleaners

Hinduism

Oldest religion that is still practiced today. Is primarily focused on connecting to the supreme god, Brahman, and bettering oneself to escape the cycle of reincarnation

Sanskrit

Ancient Indo-European language of India in which Hindu scriptures are written

Vedas

Most ancient Hindu scriptures

Nirvana

Final goal of Buddhism. There is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self. The subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth.

Lateen Sail

Triangular sail set, used especially on the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean trade routes

Monsoon Winds

Seasonal winds of the Indian Ocean, blowing from the southwest in summer and from the northeast in winter. Used to help merchants trade.

Caravans

A group of travelers, such as merchants or pilgrims, journeying together for safety in passing through deserts and/or hostile territorities.

Satrap

A governor of a province in ancient Persian

Confucianism

Philosophical and ethical teachings founded by Confucius. Created a structure for social life/politics based on responsibility and moral character.

Filial Piety

In Confucianism the important virtue and primary duty of respect, obedience, and care for one's elderly family members.

Taoism/Daoism

Chinese philosophy based on the writings of Lao-tzu that emphasized the idea that there is a balance in nature.

Silk Road

A network of trade routes across Eurasia, connecting east Asia with the Mediterranean Sea.

Hellenistic

The spread of Greek history, language, and culture under Alexandar the Great’s reign.

Stoicism

Greek philosophy that preached good citizenship.

pax

peace

Democracy

Government system by the people. Citizen are able to vote for their elected officials

Monarchy

Ruled by one person-typically a king, queen or emperor.

Oligarchy

Ruled by only a few select people, usually held by strong military leaders.

Theocracy

System of government in where government and religion are intertwind

Tyranny

Cruel and oppressive government or rule.

Islam

Monotheistic faith regarded as revealed through Muhammad as the Prophet of Allah. Followers are called Muslims.

Sunni

A sect in Islam. Democractic vote in electing a leader that is NOT necessairly linked to Muhammad.

Shia/Shitte

A sect in Islam. Elects leader linked to Muhammad’s lineage

Torah

Holy Book of Judaism. Law of God revealed to Moses.

Synagogues

Jewish place of worship & congregation

Western Wall

Only remaining portion of the ancient Jewish synagogues. One of the most holy sites of Jewish religion.