Seasonal wind patterns that cause wet and dry seasons. These heavy rains can bring as much as 100 to 200 inches of rain.

The effects that good or bad actions have on a person's soul. It is a force that decides the form that people will be reborn into in their next lives

This group of nomadic warriors arrived in India around 2,000 B.C.. Most of what we knew about about them is from their religious writings called Vedas.

Based on the teachings of Siddhatha Gautama

A large landmass that is smaller than a continent usually separated from the rest of the continent by mountains.

Hindus believe that souls are born and reborn many times. The process of rebirth is referred to as

Grew up a prince but gave up his riches to seek out questions about the meaning of life. Became known as

Believe in a universal spirit called the Brahman and reincarnation

The most important language of ancient India and is the root of many South Asian languages today.

Aryan beliefs and Vedic texts blended with ideas from other cultures to create this religion. This religion is the largest religion in India today.

Founded the Mauryan Empire when he conquered northern India.

Known as the God of destruction

an indian prince

Group of people not seen as being members of society and weren’t included in the caste system

Leader of the Gupta Empire.

This religion has no single founder, supports the caste system and believes in many gods.

Divided Indian society into groups based on a person's birth, wealth or occupation.

Which Indian Empire promoted Hinduism while still allowing Buddhist and others to practice their beliefs?

This strong military leader extended the Mauryan Empire before converting to Buddhism

Buddhism spread quickly because its teachings rejected this social system