Hist 201 BYU Exam 2 Questions and
All Correct Answers 2025-2026
Updated.
Asceticism - Answer A rejection of physical pleasures that, at its extreme, can lead to
deprivation and even starvation. Came about around 500 BCE as a result of religion changing to
a more individual focus in India.
Ashoka Maurya - Answer Indian emperor of the Mauryan Empire that clung to Buddhist
Ideals of nonviolence (Humane treatment of servants, generosity to all). Did not force Buddhism
upon his people, he lead by example. (converted to Buddhism after being shocked by the
violence in his conquest) After his death, the Mauryan Empire fell.
Bodhisattva - Answer (Enlightened Being) A person in Buddhism who reached enlightenment
and teaches others. (becomes an object of veneration). Any man or woman can receive this
status.
Chandragupta Maurya - Answer (Sandracottos in Greek) Indian Prince that urged Alexander
to conquer the kingdom of Magadha in the Ganges valley. Started out penniless but eventually
became the ruler of Magadha. Through conquest he created the Mauryan Empire (Largest
Indian Empire). Followed council from advisor, Kautilya, left future rulers the (treatise of
material gain). Eventually felt guilty and left the thrown. became a jain monk and in an act of
asceticism, starved himself to death.
Dharma - Answer A term with slightly different meanings in various Indian religions, it refers
in Jainism to moral virtue, in Buddhism to the teachings of Buddha and in hinduism to duty.
Four Noble Truths - Answer 1) Life is suffering
2) The cause of suffering is negative deeds of the body inspired by desire.
3) Desire can be eliminated
4)The way to end desire lies in the eight fold path (Right belief, resolve, speech, behavior,
occupation, effort, contemplation and meditation)
Gupta Empire - Answer (320-540 BCE) Located in northern India and souther Asia. Arose
several hundred years after the fall of the Mauryan Empire. Lacked centralization and had many
local rulers with much of their power still in tact. (Chandra Gupta was the last, great native ruler
of India) Awarded royal lands to priests and officials. Temple centered economy, stimulated
growth and agriculture. (The science of Material Gain) (Kharma Sutra-The art of pleasure)
, Mauryan Empire - Answer (322-185 BCE) Started by Shandragupta Maurya, his son and
grandson (Ashoka) The capital was Pataliputra. Created with military might. Worked to create a
bureaucracy but ultimately failed. Collapsed after the death of Ashoka
Nirvana - Answer In Buddhism, the goal of religious practice, a state of existence without
desire, hatred, ignorance, suffering, and ultimately reincarnation. (Physical is completely
removed from the spiritual)
Siddhartha Gautama - Answer (Buddha) (563-480 BCE) Prince from southern Nepal. When
he left his palace (age of 29), he was shocked to see age, suffering, etc. Didn't completely agree
with other ascetists so he went out and found the "Middle Way." Established the "Four Noble
Truth's"
Silk Roads - Answer Trade routes from Asia to India (to the Mediterranean sea) Ideas and
goods traveled along these roads. (Buddhism spread through Asia)
Stupas - Answer A Buddhist monument to hold part of Buddhas remains or an object
connected to him. Built by Ashoka Maurya
Tripitaka - Answer (Three Baskets) Buddhist Scripture contains three things:
1) Rules for Buddhist monks
2) The teachings of Buddha
3) Commentary on those teachings
Vardhama Mahavira - Answer The founder of Jainism. Born into wealthy family but left to
live a life of meditation and asceticism. Supposedly reached enlightenment and became a
teacher. Early predecessor of Hinduism
What are the general characteristics of the classical civilizations? - Answer 1) These societies
became geographically larger and more complex. (i.e. Empires forming in India)
2) Homogenization of the disease pool
3) Many great religious and philosophical traditions arose. (i.e. Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism)
4) Rise of Empires as the dominant political structure.
What is an empire and how is it different from other political structures? - Answer The rule
and exploiting of a defeated people by a conquering power.
An empire is composed of multiple states outside the original borders of the conquering power.
They have some degree of self rule but all all subject to the supreme rule of the emperor.
All Correct Answers 2025-2026
Updated.
Asceticism - Answer A rejection of physical pleasures that, at its extreme, can lead to
deprivation and even starvation. Came about around 500 BCE as a result of religion changing to
a more individual focus in India.
Ashoka Maurya - Answer Indian emperor of the Mauryan Empire that clung to Buddhist
Ideals of nonviolence (Humane treatment of servants, generosity to all). Did not force Buddhism
upon his people, he lead by example. (converted to Buddhism after being shocked by the
violence in his conquest) After his death, the Mauryan Empire fell.
Bodhisattva - Answer (Enlightened Being) A person in Buddhism who reached enlightenment
and teaches others. (becomes an object of veneration). Any man or woman can receive this
status.
Chandragupta Maurya - Answer (Sandracottos in Greek) Indian Prince that urged Alexander
to conquer the kingdom of Magadha in the Ganges valley. Started out penniless but eventually
became the ruler of Magadha. Through conquest he created the Mauryan Empire (Largest
Indian Empire). Followed council from advisor, Kautilya, left future rulers the (treatise of
material gain). Eventually felt guilty and left the thrown. became a jain monk and in an act of
asceticism, starved himself to death.
Dharma - Answer A term with slightly different meanings in various Indian religions, it refers
in Jainism to moral virtue, in Buddhism to the teachings of Buddha and in hinduism to duty.
Four Noble Truths - Answer 1) Life is suffering
2) The cause of suffering is negative deeds of the body inspired by desire.
3) Desire can be eliminated
4)The way to end desire lies in the eight fold path (Right belief, resolve, speech, behavior,
occupation, effort, contemplation and meditation)
Gupta Empire - Answer (320-540 BCE) Located in northern India and souther Asia. Arose
several hundred years after the fall of the Mauryan Empire. Lacked centralization and had many
local rulers with much of their power still in tact. (Chandra Gupta was the last, great native ruler
of India) Awarded royal lands to priests and officials. Temple centered economy, stimulated
growth and agriculture. (The science of Material Gain) (Kharma Sutra-The art of pleasure)
, Mauryan Empire - Answer (322-185 BCE) Started by Shandragupta Maurya, his son and
grandson (Ashoka) The capital was Pataliputra. Created with military might. Worked to create a
bureaucracy but ultimately failed. Collapsed after the death of Ashoka
Nirvana - Answer In Buddhism, the goal of religious practice, a state of existence without
desire, hatred, ignorance, suffering, and ultimately reincarnation. (Physical is completely
removed from the spiritual)
Siddhartha Gautama - Answer (Buddha) (563-480 BCE) Prince from southern Nepal. When
he left his palace (age of 29), he was shocked to see age, suffering, etc. Didn't completely agree
with other ascetists so he went out and found the "Middle Way." Established the "Four Noble
Truth's"
Silk Roads - Answer Trade routes from Asia to India (to the Mediterranean sea) Ideas and
goods traveled along these roads. (Buddhism spread through Asia)
Stupas - Answer A Buddhist monument to hold part of Buddhas remains or an object
connected to him. Built by Ashoka Maurya
Tripitaka - Answer (Three Baskets) Buddhist Scripture contains three things:
1) Rules for Buddhist monks
2) The teachings of Buddha
3) Commentary on those teachings
Vardhama Mahavira - Answer The founder of Jainism. Born into wealthy family but left to
live a life of meditation and asceticism. Supposedly reached enlightenment and became a
teacher. Early predecessor of Hinduism
What are the general characteristics of the classical civilizations? - Answer 1) These societies
became geographically larger and more complex. (i.e. Empires forming in India)
2) Homogenization of the disease pool
3) Many great religious and philosophical traditions arose. (i.e. Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism)
4) Rise of Empires as the dominant political structure.
What is an empire and how is it different from other political structures? - Answer The rule
and exploiting of a defeated people by a conquering power.
An empire is composed of multiple states outside the original borders of the conquering power.
They have some degree of self rule but all all subject to the supreme rule of the emperor.
