Name: __________________________________ Date: ____________________
Document Based Essay Question: Hinduism and Buddhism
This question is based on the accompanying documents. The question is designed to test your ability to work
with historical documents. Some of these documents have been edited for the purposes of this question. As
you analyze the documents, take into account the source of each document and any point of view that may be
presented in the document.
Historical Context:
Throughout history, belief systems have influenced social, economic, and political developments in many
regions. Although different, these belief systems often have similarities and, in some cases grow out of one
another. Two such examples are Hinduism and Buddhism.
Task(s): Using the information from the documents and your knowledge of global history, answer the
questions that follow each document in Part A. Your answers to the questions will help you write the Part B
essay in which you will be asked to:
• Describe the key beliefs and practices of both Hinduism and Buddhism.
• Discuss the differences, similarities and relationship between the two faiths.
PART A: DOCUMENTS
Directions: Analyze the documents and answer the short-answer questions that follow each document
an a separate sheet of paper:
Document 1: Achieving Moksha is the Goal of Life
To Hindus every person has an essential self or atman. Some view it as the same as Brahman and other as a
form of Brahman. The ultimate goal of existence, Hindus believe, is achieving moksha, or union with
Brahman. To do that, individuals must free themselves from selfish desires that separate them from Brahman.
Most people cannot achieve moksha in one lifetime, but Hindus believe in reincarnation, or the rebirth of the
soul in another bodily form. Reincarnation allows people to continue world toward moksha through several
lifetimes.
--Adapted from Prentice Hall World history, Ellis and Esler
Document 1 Question: According to this excerpt, what is the purpose of reincarnation?
Name: __________________________________ Date: ____________________
Document 2: The following depicts the origins of the Hindu Caste system. The four major castes emerged
from Purusha (the first human being). Purusha is identified with the creator god Brahma.
The Brahmins: The priestly class, born from the
mouth of Brahma.
The Kshatriyas: Warriors and rulers, senators,
presidents, majors, born from the chest of
Brahma
The Vaisyas: Farmers, merchants, lawyers,
doctors.
The Sudras: Unskilled workers. Born from the
feet of
Brahma.
Other sub-castes: Up to 3,000 sub-castes, with
the untouchables at the bottom.
Document 2 Question: According to this diagram, who were the largest group in Indian society?
Document 3: The four truths are presented within the Buddha's first discourse, Setting in Motion the Wheel of
the Dharma An English translation is as follows:
1. "This is the noble truth of [suffering]: birth is [suffering], aging is [sufferin...
