India Vocabulary

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Chapter 15 Hinduism What are the origins and
beliefs of Hinduism?
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Hinduism

• A religion that developed in India over many
  centuries
• Traces its roots to older traditions, such as
  Vedic beliefs and Brahmanism

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Vedas

• A collection of ancient writings viewed as sacred
  by many Hindus

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Sanskrit

• An ancient Indian language

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Brahmanism

• Ancient ritual traditions in which Brahmins
  played a key role
• Grew out of older Vedic religious beliefs and
  helped lead to Hinduism

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caste

• A social class or group in Hindu society
• 4 classes
• Priests
• Rulers/warriors
• Merchants/herders
• Servants, farmers, laborers

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dharma

• A belief found in Hinduism and other Indian
  traditions that a person has a duty or obligation
  to live an honorable life

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karma

• A Hindu belief and Indian tradition that the good
  and evil done in a past life determines the
  nature of that persons next life

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reincarnation

• The belief that a persons soul is reborn into a
  new body after death

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pilgrimage

• A journey to a holy place