2. Ancient Asian Civilizations • Standard: Identify the major achievements of Chinese and Indian societies from 1100 BCE to 500 CE. • Essential Question: What were the major achievements of Chinese and Indian societies from 1100 BCE to 500 CE?
Dec 26, 2015
2. Ancient Asian Civilizations
• Standard: Identify the major achievements of Chinese and Indian societies from 1100 BCE to 500 CE.
• Essential Question: What were the major achievements of Chinese and Indian societies from 1100 BCE to 500 CE?
You are Here India
China
India
• Element: Explain how geography of the Indian Subcontinent contributed to the movement of people and ideas.
India
• the geography of India is very diverse• core regions include:– mountain ranges– river valleys– dry interior plateau– fertile coastal plains
Indian Subcontinent
• a large area of land that is part of a continent but is also separated from the continent
• modern countries of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan
Indian subcontinent
Indian Mountains
• India is separated from the rest of Asia by two major mountain ranges– Himalayas– Hindu Kush
Himalayas
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Indian subcontinent
Indian Mountains
• Himalayas– the tallest mountains in
the world– Northeast of India
• Hindu Kush– Northwest of India
• Impact:– mountains protected the
Indus valley from invasion
Himalayas
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Kus
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Indian subcontinent
• Invaders can only enter the Indian subcontinent over water or through a small number of mountain passes
Himalayas
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Indian subcontinent
•The most well-known mountain pass is the Khyber Pass.
Khyber Pass
Indian Rivers
• Plains stretch south from the mountains• There are three major rivers on these plains– Indus– Ganges– Brahmaputra
Indus River
Ganges River
Brahmaputra River
Indian Rivers• Indus: flows southwest from the Himalayas to
the Arabian Sea• Ganges: drops from the Himalayas and flows
eastward across northern India to join the Brahmaputra River as it flows into the Bay of Bengal
• link interior to the sea• irrigation and silt
India’s Climate
• Monsoon– a wind that changes direction– creates two seasons– also can mean heavy rain– dominates India’s climate
India’s Climate• Winter or Northeast
(November to March)– Brings dry air from mountains
• Summer or Southwest (June to September)– Brings wet air from the ocean
Indian Societies
• Element: Describe the development of Indian civilization to include the rise and fall of the Maurya Empire, the “Golden Age” under Gupta, and the emperor Ashoka.
• Vocabulary: Mauryan Empire, Ashoka, Gupta Empire
Early Civilizations
Description:•developed in the Indus River valley•known as Harappan or Indus civilization•3000 to 1500 B.C.•ruins of two dominant cities at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro
Early Civilizations
Achievement:•planned cities•sewer system
Aryans
Description:•nomadic•Indo-European•living in central Asia•1500 B.C. moved south across the Hindu Kush
Aryans
Achievement:•excelled at war•conquered the Harappans•Magadha: the first Aryan kingdom to control almost all of India•Caste System
Caste System
Description:•hierarchy of classes•determined a person’s occupation, economic potential, and social status•five major classes/castes
Major Caste• Sudras– most of the population– peasants, artisans, manual labor– had limited rights
• Untouchables (Pariah/Dalits)– not considered part of the caste system– 5 percent of the population– had an extremely difficult life– performed tasks that other would not accept– not considered human– other classes considered their presence harmful
Maurya Empire
Rise:•324 to 183 B.C.•Unified by Chandragupta Maurya•Overthrew the king of Magaha•Skilled administrator•Developed efficient postal system
Maurya Empire
Asoka:•269 to 232 B.C.•considered the greatest Indian ruler•converted to Buddhism•governed in accordance with Buddhist ideals
Mauryan Empire (321 - 184 B.C.)Achievements:•After the adoption of Buddhism, Ashoka:
– Never again went to war– Carved his laws on rocks
and placed them throughout the kingdom
– Established free hospitals– veterinary clinics– Built roads with rest areas
for travelers connected to the Silk Roads
Maurya Empire
Silk Roads:•extensive trade route (about 4,000 miles)•Changan in China to Mesopotamia, then to Antioch, and finally to Greece and Rome•luxury goods from West traded for luxury goods to the East
Maurya Empire
Fall:•declined after Asoka’s death in 232 B.C.
Gupta Empire
Development:•AD 320 to the end of the fifth century•Built by Chandragupta I – no relation to Chandragupta Maurya– Called the “Golden Age” of India– Built many Hindu temples
•Reached height under Chandragupta II (A.D. 375 – 415)
Gupta Empire: Achievements
Folktales & Drama:•Panchantantra – folktales to teach moral lessons through stories of animals•Kalidasa, famous playwright – wrote Shakuntala – about the love between a king and forest maiden
Gupta Empire: Achievements
Art and Architecture:•Ajanta Caves•Capital at Pataliputra•Stupas
Gupta Empire: Achievements
Astronomy:•Realized earth is roundMathematics:•Developed principles leading to algebra•Invented concepts of infinity and zero•Devised symbols for 1-9 (“Arabic Numerals”)•Developed a decimal system
Gupta Empire: Achievements
Medicine:•Vaccination•Plastic Surgery•Hospital SystemTrade:•Arabia (Persia and North Africa) – gems, spices, cotton, teak and ebony•China – silk•Rome – gold
Indian Religion
• Element: Explain the development and impact of Hinduism and Buddhism on India and subsequent diffusion of Buddhism.
• Vocabulary: Hinduism, Brahman, atman, Dharma, Karma, Samsara, moksha, Siddhartha Gautama, Buddhism, Nirvana
Development of Religion
• Mahabharata: an epic Arayan tale that told of the struggle to control the southern portion of India– Krishna: one hero from the epic– Many believe that this struggle is what led the
founding of Hinduism and Buddhism
Hinduism
Founder:•based on Aryan religious beliefs•no single founder, added to over time
Homeland:•India•vast majority of Indian people are Hindus
Hinduism
God:•Brahman = ultimate reality (God)•Hindu gods and goddesses – gave ordinary Hindus a way to express their
religious feelings– three chief deities• Brahma the Creator• Vishnu the Preserver• Siva the Destroyer
Hinduism
Sacred Writings:•Vedas = collections of hymns and ceremonies passed down orally by Aryan priests and later written down•knowledge comes from the Vedas
Hinduism: Key Beliefs
• Henotheistic – recognize existence of many gods but believe in only one supreme god
• Atman– the duty of the individual self– to seek to know this ultimate reality (Brahman)
• Fulfilling its duty would allow the soul to merge with Brahman after death
Hinduism: Key Beliefs
• Dharma: duties you are expected to perform, the ethical way in which you are supposed to behave
• Ahimsa: non-violence towards all living things
Hinduism: Key Beliefs
• Reincarnation– 500s B.C. – the idea that the individual soul is reborn in a
different form after death– after many existences, the soul may fulfill its final
goal and unite with Brahman – you may be reborn into a higher or lower caste
Hinduism: Key Beliefs
• Karma– an important part in reincarnation– the idea that people’s actions determine:• their form of rebirth• the class into which they are reborn, if they are reborn
as a person
Hinduism: Key Beliefs
• caste system– religious basis created by the system of
reincarnation– higher caste members worthy of privileges
because of good karma – lower classes hoped to improve their social status
in future lives if they behaved well in the present
Hinduism: Key Beliefs
• Yoga (“union”)– developed as a practice to achieve oneness with
God– seen as a kind of dreamless sleep
Hinduism: Key Beliefs
• Aum (or Om)• represents Brahman,
everything that is absolute in the universe
Hinduism: Key Beliefs
• Swastika– Represents
everything that is good in the world
– Means “it is well” or “may good prevail”
• Color: Saffron (Represents fire from Brahman)
Buddhism
Description:•sixth century B.C.•new doctrine appeared in northern India•rivaled Hinduism
Buddhism
Founder:•Siddhartha Gautama– known as the Buddha – “Enlightened One”
BuddhismFounder:•Legend:– Born into luxury, became shocked when he drove
around in his chariot and saw poverty and sickness
– Left wife and newborn son to wander around India at age 29
– Lived as hermit for 7 years until finally finding enlightenment
Buddhism
Homeland:•Northern India
God:•rejects the idea of a deity
Buddhism
Sacred Writings:•Mahayana Sutras•The Tripitaka
Ceremonies:•Buddha Day
Buddhism: Key Beliefs
• taught:– the physical realm is an illusion– attachment to worldly things causes suffering– giving up attachments stops suffering– leads to Bodhi (wisdom)
• More philosophy than religion, but can be considered both or either
Buddhism: Key Beliefs• Four Noble Truths:
1. The truth of suffering (dukkha)• All people suffer and know sadness and sorrow
2. The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya)• People suffer because of their material desires
3. The truth of the end of suffering (nirhodha)• Suffering could end by elimination desires
4. The truth of the path that frees us from suffering (magga)• By following the Eightfold Path one could eliminate desires
Buddhism
• Purpose: To reach nirvana (enlightenment)– ultimate reality– reunion with the Great World Soul– achieving wisdom is a key step
• The Middle Way (eightfold path) is important– Away from extremes– Moderation
Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism
Right-coiled White Conch
Precious Umbrella
Victory Banner
Golden Fish
Dharma Wheel
Auspicious Drawing
Lotus Flower
Vase of Treasure
Color Symbolism in Buddhism
• Blue = coolness, infinity• Black = hate, primordial darkness• White = knowledge, purity• Red = sacred blood, life• Green = balance, harmony• Yellow = earth, renunciation
Diffusion of Buddhism
• The first “great missionary faith”• Spread into Afghanistan by A.D. 1 • Spread into China during mid 1st century A.D.• Reached Japan and Korea by A.D. 500
Diffusion of Buddhism
• Ashoka was the first ruler to send out Buddhist missions to convert other nations, helping the religion spread
Diffusion of Buddhism
Diffusion of Buddhism
• In some places, Buddhism merged with local traditions
– Examples:• Zen Buddhism in Japan• Pure Land and Chan Buddhism in China• Buddhism in Vietnam
Buddhism Throughout Asia
Japan
Buddhism Throughout Asia
China
Buddhism Throughout
Asia
Vietnam
Buddhism Throughout Asia
Afghanistan
Thailand
Buddhism v. Hinduism• Related to Hinduism– Shares belief of:
• Karma – (accumulation of good or bad deeds)
• Dharma – (but in this case is the teachings of Buddha telling you how to
act/live)• Reincarnation
– (rebirth)
– Differs: Rejection of caste system• taught that all individuals could reach nirvana as a result of
their behavior in their current life
Chinese Societies
• Element: Describe the development of Chinese civilization under the Zhou and Qin.
• Vocabulary: Mandate of Heaven, dynastic cycle, Zhou Dynasty, Qin dynasty, Shi Huangdi, autocracy, Great Wall of China, terra cota army
Geography of China
Geographic China
• slightly larger than the United States• rich in natural resources (tin, tungsten, coal,
iron, copper, lead and aluminum)• Farming a challenge on 2/3 of the land surface• East China is where 96% of population live
Demographic China
• World’s largest population with 1.2 billion• 94% are the Han (ethnic group)• 6% are comprised of 55 minority groups• 80% of the population are farmers • 20% live in urban areas
Early Chinese Civilizations
• 5000-1700 BCE• isolation from other emerging centers of
culture (Mesopotamia, Egypt & India)• late development• Yangshao began 7,000 years ago in Huang He
Valley• Longshan developed 2,000 years later and
replaced the Yangshao
Shang Dynasty (1766-1122 BCE)
Description:•China’s first flourishing civilization•ruled from about 1750 to 1122 B.C.emerged from the Longshan culture•ruled for 600 years
Shang Dynasty (1766-1122 BCE)
Development:•believed supernatural forces could help with worldly life•Priests read oracle bones to communicate with the gods
Oracle Bones
• king’s question to the gods was etched on a bone
• bone was heated until cracked
• Priests interpreted the meaning of the cracks
Shang Dynasty (1766-1122 BCE)
Achievements:•organized government•a system of writing: represented ideas not sounds•making of bronze vessels (made from copper & tin)
Zhou Dynasty (1122-256 BCE)
Description:•ruled from 1122 to 256 B.C. •overthrew the Shang dynasty•claimed Mandate of Heaven•rule for 900 years•developed feudalism in China
Zhou Dynasty (1122-256 BCE)
Mandate of Heaven:•Divine (God) approval of the ruler•Heaven/law of nature•kept order in the world through the king•helped make legitimate the dynastic cycles•from beginning to A.D. 1912
Zhou Dynasty (1122-256 BCE)
Mandate of Heaven - How it works:•king expected to rule with goodness and efficiency•following the proper “Way,” or Dao•ruled correctly = gods would be pleased•ruled incorrectly = gods would allow bad harvests and/or other disasters•king could then be overthrown and replaced with a new ruler
In time, dynasty declines and becomes corrupt; taxes are raised; power grows weaker
New dynasty gains power, restores peace and order, and claims to have Mandate of Heaven.
Strong dynasty establishes peace and prosperity; it is considered to have Mandate of Heaven.
Disasters such as floods, famines, peasant revolts, and invasions occur.
Old dynasty is seen as having lost Mandate of Heaven; rebellion is justified.
Dynasty is overthrown through rebellion and bloodshed; new dynasty emerges.
Dynastic Cycle
Zhou Dynasty (1122-256 BCE)
Dynastic Cycle:•dynasties went through a cycle of change•Pattern of rise, fall and replacement of dynasties– (Rise)a new dynasty would establish its power– (Fall)then begin to decline which lead to rebellions
or invasion and end of the dynasty– (Replacement)a new dynasty would begin and
start the cycle all over again
Zhou Dynasty (1122-256 BCE)
Decline:•collapse of the Zhou Dynasty•Rulers had difficulty controlling their territory•Nobles gained more power than the ruler•Age of the warring states•a period of instability•Confucius tried to develop a system for good government
Qin Dynasty 221 - 206 B.C.
Description:•Ying Zheng took the throne in 246 B.C. at age 13•221 B.C. unified a collection of warring kingdoms•took the name of Qin Shi Huang Di—the First Emperor of Qin
Terra Cotta Army
• an elaborate mausoleum created to accompany the first emperor of China into the afterlife
Qin Dynasty
Description:•standardized coins, weights, and measures•interlinked the states with canals and roads•credited for building the first version of the Great Wall
Great Wall of China
• concerned with the Xiongnu– a nomadic people– lived north near the Gobi dessert
• strengthened a system of walls• some of the original walls remain standing• much of what we know today was actually
built 1,500 years after the rule of Shi Huang Di
Han Dynasty 202 B.C. – A.D. 221 Description:•lasted over four hundred yearsAchievement:•large & efficient bureaucracy•created to handle rapidly increasing population•expanded westward into central Asia and southward into Vietnam•many cultural, scientific, and technological achievements
Confucius• Element: Explain the impact of Confucianism on
Chinese culture; include the examination system, the Mandate of Heaven, the status of peasants, the status of merchants, and the patriarchal family, and explain diffusion to Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea.
• Vocabulary: Confucius, filial piety, bureaucracy, examination system
Family in Ancient China
Family:•the basic economic and social unit•a symbol of the social orderFarm Life:•made families important•many people were needed to work the farms
Family in Ancient China
patriarchal family:•important to ancient Chinese family life•every member has his or her own place•the needs of the family members comes second to the head male•an important Confucian concept
Family in Ancient ChinaRoles:•Young children worked in the fields•Older sons
– expected to undertake physical labor– to provide for their parents
•Men– responsible for providing food for their families– governed society– were warriors and scholars
•Women– raised children– stayed at home
Confucius• Kung Fu Tzu (551-479 BCE)• a Chinese philosopher• his teachings were recorded
and studied by his students• Chinese pupils continued to
study Confucius’s teachings until the twentieth century
• developed a code of ethical conduct
• wrote “The Analects”
Confucianism
• Confucius code of ethical conduct– developed as a result of the time of Warring
states after the fall of the Zhou Dynasty– to restore order and moral living in China – society was organized by right relationships
• believed that if humans acted in harmony with the universe, then their affairs would prosper
Confucianism• Dao (Way) - key to proper behavior– careful observance of ancient traditions– reverence for learning– cherishing of honesty– devotion to parents, family, friends and obedient to rule
• individual needs second to the needs of family and community
• urged people to “measure the feelings of others by one’s own” (Golden Rule)
Five Constant Relationships
• governed everybody• each individual has a duty to all others• relationships:
1. father & son (filial piety)2. husband & wife3. older & younger brother4. friend & friend5. ruler & subject
Role of Government
• if each individual worked hard to fulfill his or her duties, society would prosper
• rulers must set a good example and rule virtuously if society is to prosper
• dominate relationship is the family• strong, efficient government begins with the
family
Examination System• civil service positions
were not to be chosen through special or inherited privilege, but through an individual’s own abilities
• began in the 6th century
• required government officials to pass tests
Examination System
• exams included civil laws, revenue and taxes, agriculture and geography, military strategies, and classics of Confucianism
• led to the development of a bureaucracy - a trained civil service, or those who run the government on day to day bases
Social Order
• “Let the ruler be a ruler, the subject a subject”
• supports idea of the Mandate of Heaven
• Devine Right Ruler highest class in society
Social Order
• peasants made up the second-highest class• Merchants occupied the lowest class because
they merely bought and sold what others had made
• social division did not indicate wealth or power
• Peasants were still poor and merchants were still rich
Diffusion
• Confucian scholars opposed war and other coercive measures
• lead by moral example• not by conquest or conversion• legacy of Chinese regimes in
Vietnam(southeast Asia) and Korea• embraced in Japan