Question

2. Explain the meaning of the term classical as it applies to periods in history. Describe specific examples in India that demonstrate characteristics of a classical civilization.

Answer 1

Given that the term "classical civilization" refers to civilizations bordering the Mediterranean Sea during a certain period of time (largely Greco-Roman Culture), the term "classical civilization" doesn't apply to India... Unless we are dealing with the time period when hellenistic kingdoms ruled parts of India, but that's an entirely different story...

Non-standard definitions like the "five common features of classical civilizations", which someone just made up after changing the definition of "classical" to be more multicultural, fail because they include both the preceding valley/iron-age-plains civilizations and many dynasties in "dark ages" that followed classical civilization. Under these completely arbitrary characteristics, the patriarchal, agrarian, and expansionist Carolignian Dynasty ("dark ages") could be considered to be a classical civilization, as it inherited much of its administrative structure from the Romans. Under the same definition, the late roman empire would not be considered a classical civilization, because there was a decline in long distance Mediterranean trade. Similarly, the Greek city states are not classical under this definition, because they were independent political units that rarely exceeded 5,000 (Athens being an exception at 25,000).

Tell your teacher that classical civilization specifically refers to greco-Roman culture and should not be placed upon every other patriarchal, expansionist, agrarian society with a considerable administrative structure.

If you decide not to, I left enough info to answer your question in multiple choice format.
India is a classical civilization, because
A. A bunch of Greeks stranded in Bactria decided to invade it, loot it, and build a big temple with lots of statues.
B. It was a well administered patriarchal, expansionist society that relied on agriculture.
C. India is a pristine civilization that developed on its own.