| A | B |
| subcontinent | a large land mass that is smaller than a continent |
| Indus | means river |
| monsoon | A seasonal wind that dominates the climate of South Asia |
| dialect | regional version of a language with its own words |
| decipher | determine the meaning of |
| caste | rigid system of social class based on birth |
| Hindi | most widely spoken language in India |
| karma | comes from a Sanskrit word meaning "to do" |
| dharma | duties and obligations |
| sikhism | religion that combines Hinduism & Islam |
| dynasty | ruling family |
| sultan | rulers |
| monopoly | complete control over a market or product |
| parliamentary democracy | System based on the British form of government |
| coalition | several parties join to rule |
| secular | no official religion |
| tenant farmers | people that rent land from large landowners |
| land reform | redistributing land |
| cottage industries | small businesses run from home |
| infant mortality | rate at which babies die |
| Ceylon | changed its name to Sri Lanka |
| Gandhi | won support by stressing India's rich heritage |