Empires and Visionaries in India, 600 BCE–600 CE 214

A convenient shorthand term for the vast multiplicity of religious practices derived from the Vedic, Brahmanic, Upanishadic, and later traditions in India and those places influenced by Indian culture.

Taxes levied on imports.

A specialist in language study, particularly in the history and provenance of important terms.

A metal widely used in alloys.

A division; when used in a religious context it usually refers to the splitting of members of a certain religion into two or more camps over matters of doctrine, ritual, etc.

A connection, a bond or link; also, a series of connections.

In the context of this chapter, belonging to a branch of Hinduism in which one dedicates oneself to practices that venerate, honor, or adore a particular god or divinity. The largest of these branches are dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva.

The act of someone or something becoming "unclean" in terms of religious taboos or prohibitions.

Not believing in a god or supreme being.

The practice of acting in an unselfish manner for the good of others.

Followers of Mahavira who believe that the aim of life is to liberate the soul by acquiring as little karma as possible.

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