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Region: South Asia [X] Type: Background Information [X]
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Buddha triumphing over Mara, 900–1000
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An Introduction to Buddhism

Grade Level: 
Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12), College and Beyond
Resource Type: 
Background Information
Description: 

Buddhism has deeply influenced the character and evolution of Asian civilization over the past 2,500 years. It is based on the teachings of a historical figure, Siddhartha Gautama, who lived around the fifth century BCE. As it moved across Asia, Buddhism absorbed indigenous beliefs and incorporated a wide range of imagery, both local and foreign, into its art and religious practices. Buddhism continues to evolve as a religion in many parts of the world.

Seated Buddha, 200–300
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How to Identify a Buddha

Grade Level: 
Elementary School (4-5), Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)
Resource Type: 
Background Information
Description: 

The earliest surviving representations of the Buddha date from hundreds of years after his death, so they are not portraits in the usual sense. Buddha images vary greatly from place to place and period to period, but they almost always show these conventional features . . .

The Buddha triumphing over Mara, 900–1000
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The Life of the Buddha

Grade Level: 
Elementary School (4-5), Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12), College and Beyond
Resource Type: 
Background Information
Description: 

The Buddha—that is, the “Enlightened One”—lived nearly 2500 years ago in northern India. His followers have always seen his life as a shining example to all, but what “really happened” is now impossible to know for certain. Even the earliest stories of his life include miraculous events that may seem hard to take literally. Later versions are even more elaborate, and they differ from one another in many details.

Page from a Manuscript of the Koran, approx. 1330-1340
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An Introduction to Islam

Grade Level: 
Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12), College and Beyond
Resource Type: 
Background Information
Description: 

Islam is one of the world’s major religions. It shares with Judaism and Christianity a belief in a single god. The Arabic name for God is Allah. The word Islam means “surrender (to God).” The followers of Islam are called Muslims, which in Arabic means “one who surrenders to God.”

Interior of Cave 26, Ajanta
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Buddhist Caves at Ajanta

Grade Level: 
Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12), College and Beyond
Resource Type: 
Background Information
Description: 

Learn about Buddhist caves. This is one of a series of caves excavated out of the volcanic rock that extends along a cliff overlooking the Wagora River at Ajanta, about two hours north of the present-day city of Aurangabad, in Maharastra state in western India.

Stele of the Buddha Maitreya, 687
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What are the main branches of Buddhism?

Grade Level: 
Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12), College and Beyond
Resource Type: 
Background Information
Description: 

Over the centuries, two main branches of Buddhism emerged: a transmission that traveled to Southeast Asia, and a transmission that evolved in East Asia. A further offshoot of the northern transmission also developed. All three branches began in India, and developed further as they moved across Asia.

 

 

Map of South Asia
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An Introduction to the Geography of South Asia

Grade Level: 
Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12), College and Beyond
Resource Type: 
Background Information
Description: 

What are often thought of as “Indian” art and culture spread not only throughout the modern nation of India but also through Pakistan and Bangladesh. This huge area was never politically unified except under British colonial rule (1858–1947). Learn more.

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