Classical India/China Test 10/27/22
Chanakya/Kautiyla
-Chandragupta's advisor. -Brahmin caste. -Wrote The Treatise on Material Gain or the Arthashastra. -A guide for the king and his ministers: -Supports royal power. -The great evil in society is anarchy. -Therefore, a single authority is needed to employ force when necessary!
fa-hsien
-Chinese Buddhist monk traveled along the Silk Road and visited India in the 5th century (400 C.E). -He was following the path of the Buddha. -He reported the people to be happy, relatively free of government oppression, and inclined towards courtesy and charity. Other references in the journal, however, indicate that the caste system was rapidly assuming its basic features, including "untouchability," the social isolation of a lowest class that is doomed to menial labor.
How did the Mauryan Empire Manage to unite the sub-continent?
-Emperor Chandragupta extended his holdings all the way to Bactria -Adopted a centralized bureaucracy where he divided his empire into provinces,then districts for tax assessments and law enforcement -His administration oversaw trade and agricultural production -so, through a centralized government
China's first River Valley Civilization developed along the two major rivers:
-Huang He (yellow river) - flows East from Tibet to Yellow Sea. -Yangzi River/(Chang Jiang)-3rd longest river in the world. (Nile 1st/ Amazon 2nd)
Chandragupta's guide to government
-Use of Spies - pseudo-students, priest, householder, trader, classmate, colleague, desperado. -The ruler should be guarded against disclosure. -The ruler should only have security guards who are closely related to him. -Village Life: Must be heavily guarded against invasion. -Protect cultivation from heavy taxes. -Maintain adolescents, the aged, the diseased and orphans. -Develop land, roads and mines. -Try to purchase the alliance of an invader - avoid fighting unless necessary.
Asoka
-While there were many significant rulers, King Asoka was the greatest ruler of the Mauryan empire. -King Asoka converted to Buddhism and dedicated his life to its practices after witnessing the gruesome battle of Kalingain 262 BCE. -King Asoka was religiously tolerant - respected all religions. -He improved roads, built hospitals, and sent teachers throughout the empire to encourage education and spread Buddhism.
What is legalism?
-a Chinese philosophy that developed during the Warring States Period. -Believed that a highly efficient and powerful government is the key to social order. -Unlike Confucianism and Daoism, Legalists believed that people were inherently selfish. -Punishments are useful to maintain social order and that due to their selfishness, wrongdoers had to be punished harshly to prevent future transgressions. -Thinkers and their ideas should be strictly controlled by the government.
Indo-Europeans left behind the Rig Veda, which is a _____________________. Sanskrit of older hymns is slightly different from _____________, so it is possible to _________________ Earlier hymns mentions names of places __________________, indicating that _____________________________
-collection of Sanskrit hymns that were preserved due to priests passing them down orally through generations (C) -later hymns determine the order of their composition (C) -west of those in later hymns migrants came to north-west India then all of North India (C)(I)
Dravidians- Hierarchy - vedic age- vedic religion -
-native people of the subcontinent. -an organizational structure where there are people at the top and people in inferior positions. -Formation of the caste system - 1500 B.C.E.-500 B.C.E. - dominated by Aryans. -Religious belief systems of Indo-European migrants to north India; involved animal sacrifice and elaborate ceremonies to ensure that all transitions in the natural world-day to night, or one season to the next-proceeded smoothly.
brahman- reincarnation- karma - dharma -
-one unifying spirit -the rebirth of the soul -the deeds in a persons life that affect your existence in the next -the moral and religious duties that are expected of an individual ~Individual souls are immortal. ~The goal of the individual soul is moksha.
widow burning
-sati -widow would commit ritual suicide by burning in the funeral pyre with her dead husband. -This tradition is based on one of Shiva's wives; Sati.
How did China's unique Confucian values influence social views?
-stressed the importance of individuals knowing and doing what was expected of them. -Taught that social order led to peace and harmony in society.
Syncretism dalit/dasi in Hinduism, each step of the caste system is a ________
-the amalgamation (combination) or attempted amalgamation of different religions, cultures, or schools of thought -slaves (these were probably the darkest skin Dravidians). varna
Who is Ban Zhou? What did she promote?
-was an educated aristocratic woman of the Later (Eastern) Han dynasty. -She promoted purity, conduct, and education for women
upanishads- mahabarata -
-were written as a dialogue between a student and a teacher in an effort to achieve liberation from desires and suffering -Ancient Indian Sanskrit epic poem regarding war (longest poem ever written).
Shang Dynasty
1766-1122 BCE -First Chinese Dynasty- located in Northern China. -Left behind a written record. -Highly ritualistic with signs of early human sacrifice. -Shang kings built elaborate palaces and rich tombs. -Shang society was sharply divided between nobles and peasants. ~Noble families owned the land and governed the scattered villages within the Shang lands. They sent tribute or payments to the Shang ruler in exchange for local control.
https://imgur.com/a/9JYItnD The views expressed in the excerpt are best seen as evidence of which of the following in Mauryan society? (A) The persistence of patriarchy (B) The absence of inter-caste marriages (C) The social acceptance of children born out of wedlock (D) The rulers' lax enforcement of religious doctrine
A
Why did the Han Dynasty fall?
A series of warlords fought each other for control -One, Cao Cao, who had possession of the young emperor Xian, tried to unify China, but ultimately failed. -After Cao Cao died in 220 CE, the emperor Xian was forced to give up his position, officially ending the Han Dynasty.
How does this early ordering of society still affect India today?
Although people towards the bottom of the caste are important contributors to society, they are treated like they are filth, and people don't want to interact with them at all. For example, those who do rituals for the dead are a very low caste because they touch and interact with the dead. However, they are necessary to their religion, and people cannot function without them.
How did Ashoka blend religion and politics?
Ashoka blended religion and politics by using his power and reign to be nonviolent, which coincided with his religious beliefs. He made sure that there was no war, sending embassies to many areas to create world peace. He asked for religious tolerance, and that religious beliefs should all be respected as they all possessed the same goal: enlightenment. He took the ideas of the Buddhists and the Jains teachings and made them the core of politics. Some of these ideas were the Eightfold Path, truthfulness, compassion, right conduct, and non-violence.
https://imgur.com/a/9JYItnD Compared to the regulations in the excerpt, Buddhist practices concerning gender roles in the period 600 B.C.E. to 600 C.E. differed in that they A) completely rejected the validity of marriage as an institution B) offered women and men the possibility of monastic life as an alternative to marriage C) gave the bride's mother, rather than the father, the primary role in making marriage decisions D) asserted that only marriages based on the free choice of both spouses were valid
B
Many gods are mentioned in the Rig Veda, such as the war god Indra, the god of fire, the sun-god, and the god of death as well as many minor deities (C) They had intricate rituals honoring these gods, and _______ priests who performed them were well-paid by rulers (C) Paragraph 7 The Rig Veda indicates that ______________________
Brahmin original Indo-European migrants were nomads that carried their tents with them and tended their herds full-time
chandragupta
First emperor to unite all of India despite the growing regionalism -Defeated the Persian general Seleucus. He extends his holdings all the way to Bactria. -Adopts a centralized bureaucracy where he divided his empire into provinces, then districts for tax assessments and law enforcement. His administration oversaw trade and agricultural production. -He feared assassination 🡪 food tasters, slept in different rooms, used spies. -301 BCE 🡪 gave up his throne & became a Jain - Jain dharma, is one of the oldest Indian religions. It prescribes a path of non-injury (ahimsa) towards all living beings. Practitioners believe non-violence and self-control are the means to liberation.
What aspect of Buddhism is considered a "step too far" for most Indians? Why did Buddhism decline so significantly in India in this time period?
Buddhism is a bit atheistic, because it reasons that the belief in God itself is a form of attachment and desire, and can therefore cause suffering. However, because India has millions of gods, it is difficult for Indians to follow this reasoning. For most of them, this would prove to be a step too far. The Persian Empire invaded Greece, and the Greeks came looking for revenge. Europe fought Asia in Iraq, so the ideas of Buddhism remained in a small cult in the Ganges Plain for 200 years after he died. Because of this, there wasn't much opportunity for the religion to spread, so it declined in India.
What Buddhist ideas appealed to the rising class of merchants?
Buddhist ideas appealed to the rising class of merchants and traders in the cities of the Ganges Plain. The idea that Buddhism was a system based on pure morality, or universal values, was very attractive to merchants. They resonated with qualities such as trust, truthfulness, and nonviolence.
Which of the following changes to Mauryan religious policy occurred under Chandragupta's grandson, Emperor Ashoka? (A) The emergence of a syncretic Indo-Greek system of religious belief (B) The secularization of the Mauryan state (C) The promotion of Buddhist teachings through edicts by the ruler (D) The establishment of Islam as the dominant religion of northern India
C
How did Alexander the Great and his army influence Chandragupta Maurya?
Chandragupta Maurya went to Alexander's camp. There, he was extremely impressed by the display of imperialism and by the glamor of Alexander's violence. He created the greatest empire of modern times after being inspired by Alexander and his army and the power they held.
To what extent does Buddhism impact Indian and Chinese practices?
He caused both the Indians and Chinese to unite as believers and shift their life focuses to seeking enlightenment by practicing Buddhist rituals and routines
How did Buddhism transform Ashoka?
He turned to Buddhism, and built memorial stupas in reparation. He became a very non-violent and creature-respecting person, which was very different from the person he once was. He believed that all humans shared the same values: respect for elders and parents, kindness to friends and neighbors, and even to servants and slaves. He desired nonviolence and to conquer only by words and persuasion, not by force.
What did Buddha find in Bodhgaya?
He went to practice austerities, like intense fasting. According to the video, he said that it caused him to become very bony, but that it did much good to him. He sat at the Navel of the Earth on the diamond throne (which is still worshiped by Buddhists today) and meditated all night beneath a pipal tree. After defeating the forces of the demon Mara, he found enlightenment and became the Buddha, or enlightened one, when he was 35.
How does Hinduism validate the caste system?
Hinduism says that if you perform well in your class, you can be reincarnated into a higher caste. This is the Hindu idea and doctrine of karma, which states that if you do good in this life, you will be rewarded by being reincarnated into a better life. This motivated people to work hard and take up their role in society.
Historical context during 1500 - late 500s BCE
Increasing materialism: led people to question the relevance and importance of traditional religious rituals. Spiritual crisis: materialism versus spirituality. Social Tension: merchants began to resent the status and tax exemptions of the Brahmins
Confucius
Influential thinker (551 B.C.E - 479 B.C.E) Teachings collected in THE ANALECTS Filial Piety - respect for ones parents and ancestors Believed that there are 5 key relationships: 1. Ruler and subject 2. Father and son 3. Husband and wife 4. Oldest son and younger brothers 5. Elders and juniors
Warring States Period
It was the last of three periods of the Zhou Dynasty era (1046-221 BC): Western Zhou Dynasty, Spring and Autumn Period (771-476 BC), Warring States Period -States declared independence from the Zhou Dynasty, and kingdoms fought for territory, during this period. -By 334 BC there were 7 warring states: Qin, Chu, Zhao,
Buddha found enlightenment at __________________. According to Buddhism, the source of all evil and suffering in the world is _______________. -life of a buddhist monk
Northern India, Bodhgaya desire -relies on generosity -can only accept things between dawn and midday -vegetarianism is encouraged
What were the significant developments in philosophy and thought during the fifth century (500 BCE- 400 BCE) in India and around the world?
People began to question the social order in both India and around the world. In China, it was Confucius and Lao-Tzu; in the Mediterranean, it was the Greek philosophers; in Israel, it was the Old Testament prophets. Here, people began to put ethics at the center of the world and have conscience. They were particularly intense in India, where people began to wonder about the nature of the universe and the self, and speculate about the connection between the two, like rationalists, skeptics, and atheists. Some did not accept the existence of the afterlife or reincarnation. The most influential thinker in the history of the world was the Buddha.
How will Sun Tzu's political and military writings influence the emergence of the Qin dynasty? (Think SPICE).
Sun Tzu's political and military writing influence the emergence of the Qin dynasty because the Qin Dynasty used preparedness and intimidation, which led to their victories and unification of China. They also used a lot of weapons like bows, spears, and lances to fight against their enemies, and were prepared with their abundance of materials. (P)
What is the Tao (Dao)? How is it described?
Tao or Dao is kind of a peaceful study, it teaches you don't have to rely on god, you learn through your own actions. It also teaches us to understand how nature works and how to live harmoniously with it. It is more about your mindset, if you are upset you would view the world by one'll its negative aspect, but if you view the world with an understanding, you can appreciate the highs and lows of and live a contented life.
aryans
The Aryans invaded the Indus River Valley in India around 1500 B.C.E bringing their religious beliefs. • Hinduism/Vedic belief is a religion largely based on the beliefs of the Aryans. • Unlike Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Hinduism has no single holy book.
What is Confucius' view of human nature?
Confucius believed that human nature was good. He thought that being a good person was necessary and that you could be a good person by being benevolent. He also believed that a perfect society consisted of his golden rule: "Do to others as you would want done to you," and that this would make one a good person. Confucius saw the good in humanity and worked to increase this goodness through his philosophies and beliefs.
What qualities and behaviors are emphasized by Confucius?
Confucius emphasized a rule of superiority, men were considered the leaders of their families. They valued family relationships. They also did not abuse their power like most governments did, they believed that the behavior of the people was based on how the government acts. They were very peaceful people, they had righteous views, where you should learn how to accept what has happened and not dwell on the past.
Describe the central beliefs of Buddhism. How do they contract with Hindu beliefs?
The central belief of Buddhism is that the nature of the human condition is suffering, and that suffering is caused by human desire and attachment. It is believed that if you free yourself from those desires you could be liberated, but it could only come from within. Unlike in Hinduism, Buddhists do not believe in deities, while Hindus are polytheistic and have many different gods and goddesses. Buddhists believe that enlightenment can be achieved by getting rid of desires and suffering, while Hindus believe that they can reach enlightenment by doing good in their lives and being reincarnated in higher and higher casts until they reach moksha. Also, Buddhism has no caste system or social order, while Hinduism does.
How does the crisis described in Luo Guanzhong support the flow of the dynastic cycle?
The crisis in Luo Guanzhong supports the flow of the dynastic cycle because it first showed how bad Emperor Ling was as a ruler. Following this, there was a flurry of problems, including thunder, hail, rain, and earthquakes. Following this a new emperor took throne and the natural disasters stopped, supporting the flow of the dynastic cycle.
How does the approach to leadership change under Qin rule?
The emperor was much more harsh and strict than the previous (Zhou) dynasty. The emperor of China at the time believed that China suffered because of feudal rulers. He was determined to end the divisions that had splintered Zhou China as he believed it had been their downfall. So, he conquered most of the warring states and built a strong, authoritarian government by rewarding merit and punishing failure. He abolished the old feudal states and divided China into 36 military districts that were each ruled by appointed officials with inspectors that checked on local officials and tax collectors. The emperor's methods were strict, but they needed to be harsh in order to set up patterns in government that would unify China, which he succeeded in doing.
What elements of Han achievements represent progress in society?
The fact that educated people were responsible for government laws was an achievement that gave the public more opportunities. In order to gain a government job, the recipient had to pass a civil service exam based on merit. This lets one's intelligence and reasoning determine their results instead of money and power which could in turn lead to greed and dishonesty going forward. It also gave those from all walks of life a chance to create new lives for themselves.
How did foundational political and military writings influence the emergence of the Qin state?
The foundational political and military writing by Sun Tzu in the Art of War influenced the emergence of the Qin state by inspiring the emperor to follow Sun Tzu's teachings to lead a successful empire. Qin Shi Huang relied on The Art of War as a strategic guide when he conquered other warring states in 221 BCE. Because of this reliance on the book, Qin Shi Huang was a successful leader and is considered to be a military genius even to this day.
What were the long term consequences of China's Geography on China's development and culture?
The large land was isolated from much of the rest of the world by dry deserts to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and impassable mountains to the south. This enabled the Chinese to develop independently from other world civilizations.
To what extent did opposing ideologies in ancient China attempt to bring social and political order?
The opposing ideologies such as Daoism allowed people to become closer to nature and thus bring social order It brought social order with religions like legalism, which believed that a highly efficient and powerful government is the key to social order
How is the Qin Dynasty a discontinuity in Chinese history?
The rule was much more centralized due to Emperor Shi Huangdi's beliefs about feudal rulers and how a strong, authoritarian government was the key to a successful country This was very different from the previous dynasties, especially the Zhou dynasty, which was directly before the Qin To promote unity he standardized weights and measures and replaced diverse coins of the Zhou states with the Qin coins and introduced a uniform system of language (written and oral) - *Mandarin*
According to the words of Confucius, how can order and stability be achieved in a society?
The ruler needed to be benevolent because they had a lot of power. The government should work to benefit the people they rule because it affects the actions and behavior of their subjects. Career and government were open to the bright and best men.
What was the underlying concern of the rebels during the Yellow Turban uprising?
They were concerned that they were taxed so much that their family could not survive.
Why were people in India willing to accept the caste system?
They were willing to accept it because it could provide benefits, such as social order. It also gave the ability to socialize in their caste and find their spouse through arranged marriage with someone from the same caste. Hymns also claim that gods created varnas (classes), and mortals could not and would not fight back against the gods' rules. This hymn is represented by sculptures of the cosmic giant the gods separated to create varnas, with each body part resembling a different class.
Do the Confucian values of the 5 relationships reinforce a patriarchal (male dominate) Chinese society? Will this patriarchal view influence political and social norms of the times?
Yes - the male is always "dominating" the other person in the relationship - for example, the wife obeys the husband Yes, because it was lessen women's rights and instead empower the men in society and in the government
golden age
a period of great peace, prosperity, and happiness period = significant length of time peace = free from war and violence prosperity = overall economic well-being for a society in general; many people in the society feel financially secure happiness = people generally feel good about their lives
What is the art of war?
a systematic guide to strategy and tactics for rulers and commanders -discusses various maneuvers and the effect of terrain on the outcome of battles -stresses the importance of accurate information about the enemy's forces, dispositions and deployments, and movements
one change and one continuity of the mauryan empire
change: Changed the style of control to resemble the Persians. The Persians learned from Alexander the Great continuity: still had a caste system
One part of the Mahabharta tells the story of a leader who is conflicted on whether he should fulfill his dharma. A deity Krishna tells him that _______________________________. (C) This teaching later becomes a key tenet in Hinduism. (C) The Ramayana tells of a great king whose wife was abducted by a demon king. He fights to get her back but treats her coldly, because she lived alone with her captors. After she jumps into fire, he is convinced that she remained faithful. (C)(S)
each person should fulfill his dharma and that he should devote himself fully to worshiping him
Fortifications built by various states during (771-476 BC) and Warring States periods after the fall of the Zhou Dynasty were connected by the ________________________, to __________________________________.
first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang protect his newly founded Qin dynasty against incursion by nomads from inner Asia
Later hymns indicate that social roles in Vedic society became more _____, and women had _____ freedom (S) Eventually people were classed into different social groups called ______ that were determined by birth (S) Social groups were ranked in order of _______. Brahmins were the ________ because they conducted Vedic rituals with warriors, farmers, merchants, and laborers below them, respectively (S)
fixed less varna purity, purest
ascetic
haracterized by or suggesting the practice of severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons.
New gods appeared and are still worshiped by Hindus today. Unlike the gods of the Rig Veda, these gods _________________________ (C) Two great Sanskrit epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana began to be composed at this time. (C) The Mahabharata's main theme is ______________. It shows _________________. (C)
intervene in human affairs dharma, or right conduct. characters struggling to understand what it means to be good and what the consequences of evil actions are
India's caste system has changed greatly over time. The India word jati is to closest to the word caste (S) After about 1000 BCE, _____ came into widespread use and allowed residents to actively pursue agriculture (I) The first coins appeared in around 500 BCE (E) There was a new idea that souls transmigrated. According to karma, how people acted in this life would affect how they would be reborn in the next (C)
iron
What did Ashoka's animal protection edicts tell us about his larger perception of the world?
is protection edicts banned the killing of certain animals, but he believed that all living things should be protected. He understood that if you were cruel to animals, you would be cruel to humans as well, since animals are powerless and cannot fight back against humans. It showed his larger perception that how you treated other living beings displayed your true nature: if you were merciless to helpless creatures, you are not a loving and respectful person.
middle kingdom (china)
or Middle Country, dates from c.1000 B.C., when it was ruled by the Zhou (Chou) empire situated on the North China Plain. The Chou people, unaware of high civilizations in the West, believed their empire occupied the middle of the earth, surrounded by barbarians.
gupta rulers
raja -> maharaja -> maharajadhiraja "king/ruler" 🡪 "great king/ruler"- "great king of kings" Chandra Gupta I 320 CE - 335 CE "Great King of Kings" Chandra Gupta II 375 CE - 415 CE Profitable trade with the Mediterranean world! Hindu revival White Huns invade - 450 CE
monastic
relating to monks, nuns, or others living under religious vows, or the buildings in which they live.
eightfold path
required to reach nirvana Right View Right Intention Right Speech Right Action Right Livelihood Right Effort Right Mindfulness Right Concentration
Between the sixth and fourth centuries BCE, Jainism took shape. (C) Jains believe in ________________________. (C)
right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, and emphasize not harming living beings
the mauryan empire
ruled by chandragupta 321 BCE - 185 BCE Around 323 B.C.E, a great empire emerged in northern India. The rulers of this empire conquered most of northern and central India.
What is the mandate of heaven?
the Chinese belief that the gods picked the emperor to rule but the gods could also remove a bad emperor from power The Mandate of Heaven can be viewed as the right to rule
Ethnocentrism
the belief of superiority in one's personal ethnic group, but it can also develop from racial or religious differences. Belief that you are better than other individuals for reasons based on heritage.
brahma, vishnu- shiva-
the creator, preserver/sustainer of life the destroyer; the third god in the Hindu triumvirate
Their most important animal was the horse since it ____________________. (I) A hymn describes the _______________. (S) Vedic society included carpenters, doctors, Brahmin priests, and people who prepared the ritual drink (S) Women's role in Vedic society was probably not much lower than men's and they were allowed to do many things and even receive an education (S)
transported their families and possessions across Eurasia diverse occupations of the Indo-European speakers
Zhou Dynasty
-*longest dynasty* -Lasted longer than any other Chinese dynasty. -Around 1027 B.C.E, the Zhou conquered the Shang. -To justify their rebellion against the Shang, the Zhou promoted the idea of the Mandate of Heaven, or the Divine Right to Rule. -They claimed that the Shang were so cruel that they angered the gods. -This same dynastic cycle has lasted through the 20th century (1912). CONTINUITY!!! -Decentralized political administration. -During the Zhou dynasty, two important Chinese philosophies developed; Confucianism and Daoism
four noble truths
-All life is suffering: Suffering (Dukkha) is a part of human life. No one can escape suffering while alive. -Desire is the cause of suffering: Suffering comes from people's desires for pleasure and material goods. -Eliminating desire will end suffering: Overcoming these desires during life eventually brings suffering to an end. -Only way to eliminate is to follow the Eightfold Path.
Story of Siddhartha Gautama
-Born in NE India (Nepal). -Raised in great luxury to be a king. -At 29 he rejected his luxurious life to seek enlightenment and the source of suffering. -Lived a strict, ascetic life for 6 yrs -Eventually rejected this extreme and sat in meditation, and found nirvana. -Became "The Enlightened One," at 35.
Qin Dynasty
-In 221 B.C.E, the Qin dynasty emerged. -Lasted from 221 BCE to 207 BCE. Although surviving only 15 years, the dynasty held an important role in Chinese history and it exerted great influence on the following dynasties. Only two emperors, Yingzheng - Emperor Qin Shi Huang (first Chinese ruler to call himself emperor), and his son Hu Hai ever ruled the state, which was finally overthrown by the people's uprising. -Established a strong central (CENTRALIZED) government that controlled all of China's local rulers. Unified the multi-national state! -Shi Huang-Di was a harsh but strong ruler. -To promote unity he standardized weights and measures and replaced diverse coins of the Zhou states with the Qin coins and introduced a uniform system of language (written and oral) - Mandarin. -He ordered the execution of people who disagreed with him. -Destroyed Chinese literature created during dynasties prior, and killed many of the intellectuals. -During Qin China, the Chinese began building the Great Wall of China to protect China from nomadic invaders.
decline of guptas
-Invasion of the White Huns in the 5th (401 CE- 500 CE) century signaled the end of the Gupta Golden Age, even though at first, the Guptas defeated them. -After the decline of the Gupta empire, north India broke into a number of separate Hindu kingdoms and was not unified again until Muslims lead Mughal Empire in the 1500s.
How was Buddhism received in China? How did this change over time?
-It was received well at first especially by the rising class of merchants because the idea that Buddhism was a system based on pure morality, or universal values, was very attractive to merchants. They resonated with qualities such as trust, truthfulness, and nonviolence. -However, it later declined because Buddhism is a bit atheistic, because it reasons that the belief in God itself is a form of attachment and desire, and can therefore cause suffering. However, because India has millions of gods, it is difficult for Indians to follow this reasoning. For most of them, this would prove to be a step too far.
Laozi
-Laozi, another Chinese philosopher living during the Zhou dynasty, disagreed with Confucius. -He believed that people needed to live close to nature and follow natural ways or the Dao. -His philosophy is called Daoism Yin and Yang: two forces, when in balance - peace and prosperity. -Looked to dead ancestors to help the living.
How should men treat women in Hindu society? How do Hindu beliefs classify women? What is their role in society according to these classifications? Why did the women of lower castes enjoy greater freedom than those of the higher castes?
-Men are prohibited from harassing or neglecting women, as well as abandoning her except where there is justification. Men must protect and care for their wives and take care of his aged mother or dependent daughter. -Hindu beliefs classified women as incapable of caring for themselves and needed men to protect them. So, women had very limited freedom. As wives, they would help their husbands, and as mothers, they were nurture their children. Their primary duty was maintaining the family bloodline helping her husband continue his family tradition. -They enjoyed greater freedom because male domination increased in proportion to caste status, so women of lower castes had less male domination and thus more freedom.
who influenced the mauryan legacy?
-Much of what is known comes from the Greek Ambassador, Megasthenes. He spoke highly of an agricultural land with a caste system and a marvelous capital city, Pataliputra, which was modeled off of Alexandria. -The Persian influence of Darius I began in 502 BCE when Northern India was conquered to form the Kingdom of Gandhara, an extension of the Achaemenid empire. -These early interactions with the Persians and Greeks left an impact on with the influence of Persian style administration, military strategies and the knowledge of trading.
Han Dynasty: Economic Growth Increased Interactions
-The Silk Road spread trade and bettered the economy, causing great economic success. However, this also "improper" technology from the west and Buddhism, which caused internal tension. -Because China traded on the Silk Road, they interacted more with other peoples and areas. However, this also led to the spread of disease.
gupta innovations
-The concept of zero -First base 10 number system which became the basis for Arabic numerals, -the system used by most of the world today -The decimal system -The concept of pi -Identified the 7 primary planets hundreds of years before European scientists -Developed the idea that the earth was round and moved around the sun -Engaged in the scientific study of eclipses -Explored the concept of gravity -Advanced the practice and study of surgery and the practice of traditional -Indian, or Ayurvedic medicine, which is still used today -Vaccinated against smallpox (hundreds of years before Europeans)
kalidasa
-The greatest of Indian poets. Followed the style of reviving the epics of the Vedic Age (1500-500BCE). -His most famous play was Shakuntala, a retelling of a story from the Mahabharata. -During the reign of Chandra Gupta II.
Han Dynasty
Liu Bang - founder of the Han Dynasty, a commoner of peasant origin -unified China for over 400 years . -Frequently compared to the Roman Empire. Confucianism: -became the official philosophy of China, stressing the importance of individuals knowing and doing what was expected of them. -Taught that social order led to peace and harmony in society. Civil Service Examination: -Civil service examination based on merit was established - meritocracy. -In order to work in the Chinese government, a man had to pass an examination on Chinese history and Confucianism. -Only scholars could work in the government. -Emphasis on education. Overland Trade: -Expanded China's borders and increased trade. -Merchants established overland trade routes to other centers of civilization. -Silk Road went to Central Asia to the Middle East. -Encouraged cultural diffusion. -Chinese ideas and objects were introduced to other cultures & vice versa. -Will lead to the introduction of Buddhism in to China from India.
Why did merchants hold a lower status in Chinese society? How does this view coincide with previous Confucian values?
Merchants were considered to be unproductive, uncultured, and preoccupied with profit rather than the good of society -this is the opposite of what Confucianism teaches, so it makes sense that they have a low status
How did the Gupta in 320 CE facilitate the re-emergence of regional kingdoms and the revival of the empire?
S: Indian Craftsmen and the growth of towns and marketplaces reinforced class differences and intensified the caste system. P: Regained territory that had belonged to the Maurya after 400 years of regional autonomy. Although their holdings were much smaller, their style of control resembled the Persians, the Gupta left governance in the hands of the local provinces C: Reinforcement of Caste System within Indian Society E: Re-establishment of long distance trade networks helped to bring trade, prosperity and wealth (From China to Persia). The use of Indian Ocean trade and the use of merchant ships benefited from the monsoon seasons. Thus a prolonged period of relative political stability allowed for greater trade, bringing on economic prosperity and a flourishing of arts and achievements. Which equals the basic conditions of a Golden Age!
What are the achievements of the Han dynasty?
The Great Wall of China was one of the greatest achievements of the Han Dynasty. It was an important development in architecture. However, the most important characteristic of the wall was its use for protection against invasions. Many dynasties, such as the Ming Dynasty, fell because of invasions from other areas and other rulers, so protecting against these invaders would ensure the safety of both the dynasty and its people. The invention of carts with wheels and axles made transporting goods and people more efficient, simpler, and faster. It increased action along the Silk Road because more materials could be spread and to further destinations. This achievement was important because it benefited the economy of China. The unification of China based on religion, either Confucianism, Legalism, or Daoism, established different ideas and ruling methods. Confucianism acted under the idea that family and community should be a main priority. This led to opening up jobs based on talent and skill.
How does the presence of the Great wall of China represent Chinese attitudes presented in Sun Tzu's The Art of War?
The Great Wall of China was used to protect China from enemies. It relates to 21 ("If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him") because the Chinese secured their land (secured all points), and were prepared for their enemies, which were incursions by nomads.
collapse of mauryan empire
The Mauryan empire began to weaken after the death of King Asoka. The last emperor was assassinated around 185 B.C.E Five centuries of disorder followed. -Around 320 C.E., another great Indian empire emerged known as the Gupta empire.
How did the silk road trade network influence China's government, economy and culture during the Han period both positively and negatively.
The Silk Road opened more freedom when it came to trading. Merchants have established overland trade routes, which allowed them to collect more trades while profiting of theirs. It was also easier to access. With higher profits and more money being made, the taxes would also start to increase.
What was the purpose of the caste system? What is the importance of social order in India?
The caste system determines how citizens are to live and what they are to do and what role they play in society. Social order in India is important because it creates a hierarchy of each class and prevents people from fighting over who does what; it creates order. For example, the caste system separates priests from street sweepers and how they should be regarded. If this caste system was not implemented, they could be fighting over who would be in what role.
