India Word List

Subcontinent- large landmass smaller than a continent
Monsoon- seasonal wind
Caste- Indian social class
Raja- prince
Sanskrit- written language of India
Vedas- ancient sacred writings used in Hinduism
Guru- teacher
Moksha- release from the cycle of rebirth
Hinduism- world’s oldest religion: Brahman-Upanishad-Vishnu-Shiva
Karma- force decides the form people will be reborn into
Dharma- one’s personal duty
Reincarnation-rebirth of the soul
Nirvana-state of perfect happiness and peace
Buddhism- ancient religion with an Eightfold Path and Four Noble Truths. Led by Siddhartha Gautama
Trip taka- sacred text of Buddhism