Page 32 - India

Glossary

Buddhism—a religion that began in India and follows the teachings of Buddha

caste system—a social system in which class is decided by a person’s family
civilization—a society that has writing and keeps track of records

conquered—overcame by force
constitution—the system of laws that rule a government

customs—practices followed by people of a particular group or region
descendents—people who come from a particular family

dynasties—families that hold power for many years

invaders—people who enter by force as an enemy
Mongols—people from Mongolia
Muslims—people who believe in the religion of Islam

parliamentary system—the rules followed by the government when holding
its meetings
peasants—poor people who live in the countryside

reign—the time period that a king or queen rules
sacred—items or beliefs considered very important to a religion

scriptures—writings that are very important to the religious beliefs of
a group of people

Sikhs—people who follow a religion based in northern India

slums—housing areas where poor people live in bad conditions
traditions—parts of culture that are passed from older people to younger people
warfare—military struggles between nations or groups

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