Asian Studies

Orientallism

A term used to describe how the west viewed the east, usually the middle east, as less civilized, devolved, exotic, and often as savages. It was significant because the west often used an oritentalist lens to study these people and treated their findings as science/

Harappa

Major ancient civilizations in the Indus Valley. Significant because of the cultural items found there, and we thought ancient civilizations had really started in Mesopotamia and never considered India.

Orientallism

A term used to describe how the west viewed the east, usually the middle east, as less civilized, devolved, exotic, and often as savages. It was significant because the west often used an oritentalist lens to study these people and treated their findings as science/

Harappa

Major ancient civilizations in the Indus Valley. Significant because of the cultural items found there, and we thought ancient civilizations had really started in Mesopotamia and never considered India.

Aryan

The race of people who migrated to India. They influenced hindu traditions such as sanskrit and the caste system

Vedas

Ancient hindu scriptures made in sanskrit. They were significant because the vedas had been passed down orally for several generations and were among the oldest religious texts in the world, forming the foundation of Hindu philosophy and rituals.

Rig Veda

Oldest of the vedas and had hymns related to the worship of deitiesand rituals in early Hinduism. It gives insight into early relgious practices and social structures

Raja

Sanskrit title used for the king or ruler of ancient indiawho governed territories and held authority over subjects, often associated with the warrior class. They upheld dharma, and leadership over the military and government

Varna

Social classification system that divides society into four main groups: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, each with specific roles and duties. This is significant because it provided the foundation for the caste systemB

Brahmin

Highest Varna, priests and scholars. They perofrmed rituals and preserved knowledge

Kshatriya

In the varna system, this role was comprised of warriors. Responsible for military strength.

Vaishya

Merchants, artisans, and farmers. Important for economy and played major role in trade

Shudra

Laborors and service providers. Lowest of the varna. Performed essential work but had low social mobility and treated the worse

Jati

Tribe or group that you are born into. Determined social identity, job prospects, and how you could marry

Agni

Hindu god of fire. Significant because they often performed rituals that required the burning of things to appease the gods

Atman

The individual soul/self. Signficant because it’s key to achieving moksha.

Kama Sutra

Indian text on sex, love, and romance. It provided a guide for how to promote pleasure the “right” way

Laws of Manu

Laws guide for different roles within the caste. It reinforced the caste system

Bhagavad gita

Dialogue between arjuna and krishna. Significant because it taught about the philosophical and ethical underpinnings of dharma

Jainism

Ancient indian religion centered around non-violence. They preached that divine was in everything

Siddartha

Son of a raja who was sheltered from all forms of suffering. When he went out into the world, he saw suffering and his actions following that led to the creation of buddhism

Four noble truths

Suffering is unavoidable, suffering is caused by wanting, cessation of wanting ends suffering, and following the eightfold path leads to the cessation of suffering

Eightfold Pathway

Buddhist path to enlightenment. Significant because it leads to the end of suffering

Nirvana

State of liberation from suffering. Ultimate goal of buddhist practices.

Ashoka

A mauryan emperor who embraced buddhism following the genocide he caused. Significant because he contributed to the spread of buddhism

Oracle Bones

Ancient chinese bones where they asked questions and then heated it so that they could interpret the cracks for answers. Significant because it is one of the earliest examples of chinese writing.

Mencius

A confuscion philsopher who expaned upon confiscuos teaching and emphasized nature innate goodness

Mahayana

Type of buddhism that spread to china. Everyone could saved through compassion.

Theravada

Oldest form of buddhism and emphasized meditation and a monastic lifestyle. Influential in sri lanka and south east asia

Bodhisatva

Someone who seeks enlightenment but delays it to help others. Major part of mahayana buddhism and is a model of compassion

guanyin

Boddhisatva of compassion. Protector of suffering

Dukkha

Buddhist concept of suffering. Essential for spiritual progress

Five Skahndas

Five aggregates of human experience. Helps dissolve attachment and achieve liberation