In Mesopotamia, the cuneiform culture of the Mesopotamians assimilated invaders and provided continuity. The same role in India was performed by

In Mesopotamia, the cuneiform culture of the Mesopotamians assimilated invaders and provided continuity. The same role in India was performed by

(A) Buddhism.
(B) the Hindu social hierarchy.
(C) Jain philosophy.
(D) the Greek culture introduced by Alexander the Great.
(E) the culture of the Indus Valley peoples.

Answer: B

Over time in classical India, castes

Over time in classical India, castes

(A) were replaced by simpler social groups.
(B) died out as Buddhism spread throughout India.
(C) intensified and began to differ from region to region.
(D) lost their religious significance.
(E) removed restrictions on gender

Answer: C

During the classical era in India, all of the following occurred EXCEPT

During the classical era in India, all of the following occurred EXCEPT

(A) religious authorities often allowed dissections in the name of research.
(B) spherical shrines to Buddha, called stupas, were erected.
(C) the concept of zero was invented.
(D) sculpture and painting moved away from realistic portrayals of the human form to a more stylized representation.
(E) Indians developed an interest in spontaneity and imagination.

Answer: A

Buddhism lost its appeal and influence in Guptan India in part because

Buddhism lost its appeal and influence in Guptan India in part because

(A) Hinduism showed its adaptability by emphasizing its mystical side, thus retaining the loyalties of many Indians.
(B) unpopular Gupta's supported Buddhism, which led to Buddhism's decline.
(C) Islam was introduced and replaced both Hinduism and Buddhism.
(D) Hindus abandoned the caste system, making Hinduism more attractive.
(E) merchants, the chief patrons of Buddhism, abandoned the religion for Islam.

Answer: A