Classical India and China

Bureaucracy

A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.

Daoism

A Chinese philosophy advocating humility and religious piety, founded by Laozi. It emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao (the path or way).

Legalism

A Chinese philosophy emphasizing strict laws and punishments as the primary means of governing. Key figure was Han Feizi.

Confucianism

A system of philosophical and ethical teachings founded by Confucius and developed by Mencius. It emphasizes morality, education, and hierarchical relationships.

Filial Piety

Respect for one's parents, elders, and ancestors; a key tenet of Confucianism.

Shi Huangdi

The first emperor of the Qin Dynasty, known for unifying China and implementing strict Legalist policies.

Han Dynasty

A major dynasty in Chinese history that followed the Qin Dynasty, known for its advancements and instating Confucian principles.

Silk Roads

A network of trade routes connecting China and the Mediterranean world, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture.

Paper Making

An invention of the Han Dynasty that allowed for the duplication of texts and increased literacy.

Compass

An invention of the Han Dynasty used for navigation.

Junk

A type of Chinese sailing vessel developed during the Han Dynasty.

Subcontinent

A large landmass that is smaller than a continent.

Monsoons

Seasonal winds that significantly impact India's climate, agriculture, and trade routes.

Hinduism

A major world religion originating in India, characterized by belief in reincarnation, a caste system, and the worship of a multitude of gods and goddesses as manifestations of a single supreme being (Brahman).

Brahman

In Hinduism, the ultimate reality or cosmic principle.

Dharma

In Hinduism, one's religious and moral duty according to their caste.

Karma

In Hinduism and Buddhism, the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.

Caste System

A rigid social stratification system in Hinduism, in which individuals are born into a specific social group with limited mobility.

Brahmins

The highest caste in the Hindu caste system, traditionally consisting of priests.

Kshatriyas

The second highest caste in the Hindu caste system, traditionally consisting of warriors and kings.

Vaishyas

The third highest caste in the Hindu caste system, traditionally consisting of merchants and landowners.

Sudras

The fourth highest caste in the Hindu caste system, traditionally consisting of laborers and peasants.

Untouchables (Dalits)

The lowest group in the traditional Hindu caste system, considered outside of the four main castes.

Reincarnation

The rebirth of a soul in a new body.

Moksha

In Hinduism, liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth and the attainment of ultimate union with Brahman.

Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita

Important sacred texts in Hinduism.

Buddhism

A religion and philosophy originating in India, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha). It emphasizes personal spiritual development and the attainment of enlightenment.

Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha)

The founder of Buddhism.

Nirvana

In Buddhism, the ultimate state of enlightenment, freedom from suffering, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Middle-Path

In Buddhism, the path of moderation between the extremes of sensual indulgence and self-mortification.

Eightfold Path

In Buddhism, the path to liberation from suffering, consisting of eight aspects that must be cultivated simultaneously.

Four Noble Truths

The fundamental teachings of Buddhism, which describe the nature of suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the path to its cessation.

Mauryan Empire

An ancient Indian empire founded by Chandragupta Maurya.

Chandragupta Maurya

The founder of the Mauryan Empire.

Emperor Ashoka

A key ruler of the Mauryan Empire, known for his conversion to Buddhism and his edicts promoting peace and religious tolerance.

Battle of Kalinga

A major battle fought by Emperor Ashoka, after which he was deeply affected by the violence and converted to Buddhism.

Rock Edicts

Inscriptions carved into rocks or pillars throughout Ashoka's empire, used to disseminate his laws and Buddhist teachings.

Bureaucracy

A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.

Daoism

A Chinese philosophy advocating humility and religious piety, founded by Laozi. It emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao (the path or way).

Legalism

A Chinese philosophy emphasizing strict laws and punishments as the primary means of governing. Key figure was Han Feizi.

Confucianism

A system of philosophical and ethical teachings founded by Confucius and developed by Mencius. It emphasizes morality, education, and hierarchical relationships.

Filial Piety

Respect for one's parents, elders, and ancestors; a key tenet of Confucianism.

Shi Huangdi

The first emperor of the Qin Dynasty, known for unifying China and implementing strict Legalist policies.

Han Dynasty

A major dynasty in Chinese history that followed the Qin Dynasty, known for its advancements and instating Confucian principles.

Silk Roads

A network of trade routes connecting China and the Mediterranean world, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture.

Paper Making

An invention of the Han Dynasty that allowed for the duplication of texts and increased literacy.

Compass

An invention of the Han Dynasty used for navigation.

Junk

A type of Chinese sailing vessel developed during the Han Dynasty.

Subcontinent

A large landmass that is smaller than a continent.

Monsoons

Seasonal winds that significantly impact India's climate, agriculture, and trade routes.

Hinduism

A major world religion originating in India, characterized by belief in reincarnation, a caste system, and the worship of a multitude of gods and goddesses as manifestations of a single supreme being (Brahman).

Brahman

In Hinduism, the ultimate reality or cosmic principle.

Dharma

In Hinduism, one's religious and moral duty according to their caste.

Karma

In Hinduism and Buddhism, the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.

Caste System

A rigid social stratification system in Hinduism, in which individuals are born into a specific social group with limited mobility.

Brahmins

The highest caste in the Hindu caste system, traditionally consisting of priests.

Kshatriyas

The second highest caste in the Hindu caste system, traditionally consisting of warriors and kings.

Vaishyas

The third highest caste in the Hindu caste system, traditionally consisting of merchants and landowners.

Sudras

The fourth highest caste in the Hindu caste system, traditionally consisting of laborers and peasants.

Untouchables (Dalits)

The lowest group in the traditional Hindu caste system, considered outside of the four main castes.

Reincarnation

The rebirth of a soul in a new body.

Moksha

In Hinduism, liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth and the attainment of ultimate union with Brahman.

Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita

Important sacred texts in Hinduism.

Buddhism

A religion and philosophy originating in India, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha). It emphasizes personal spiritual development and the attainment of enlightenment.

Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha)

The founder of Buddhism.

Nirvana

In Buddhism, the ultimate state of enlightenment, freedom from suffering, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Middle-Path

In Buddhism, the path of moderation between the extremes of sensual indulgence and self-mortification.

Eightfold Path

In Buddhism, the path to liberation from suffering, consisting of eight aspects that must be cultivated simultaneously.

Four Noble Truths

The fundamental teachings of Buddhism, which describe the nature of suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the path to its cessation.

Mauryan Empire

An ancient Indian empire founded by Chandragupta Maurya.

Chandragupta Maurya

The founder of the Mauryan Empire.

Emperor Ashoka

A key ruler of the Mauryan Empire, known for his conversion to Buddhism and his edicts promoting peace and religious tolerance.

Battle of Kalinga

A major battle fought by Emperor Ashoka, after which he was deeply affected by the violence and converted to Buddhism.

Rock Edicts

Inscriptions carved into rocks or pillars throughout Ashoka's empire, used to disseminate his laws and Buddhist teachings.