Key Aspects of Ancient Indian and Chinese Civilizations

Mauryan Empire

Indian empire from 326-184 B.C.E.

Ashoka

Mauryan ruler who converted to Buddhism after Kalinga.

Kalinga War

Brutal conquest leading to Ashoka's conversion in 260 B.C.E.

Rock and Pillar Edicts

Ashoka's inscriptions promoting Buddhism and governance.

Gupta Empire

Indian empire from 320-550 C.E.

Caste System

Social hierarchy based on hereditary distinctions.

Upanishads

Sacred texts from 800-400 B.C.E. on Hindu philosophy.

Brahman

World soul in Hindu philosophy.

Atman

Individual human soul in Hindu philosophy.

Samsara

Cycle of reincarnation in Hindu belief.

Karma

Actions influencing future reincarnations.

Moksha

Liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Jainism

Religion emphasizing non-violence and truth.

Vardhamana Mahavira

Great Teacher and founder of Jainism.

Ahimsa

Doctrine of non-violence in Jainism.

Buddhism

Religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama.

Siddhartha Gautama

Buddha, reached enlightenment under a Bodhi tree.

Four Noble Truths

Core principles of Buddhism addressing suffering.

Noble Eightfold Path

Guidelines to achieve Nirvana in Buddhism.

Period of Warring States

Civil war period in China, 500-221 B.C.E.

Hundred Schools of Thought

Philosophical movement during Warring States period.

Confucianism

Philosophy founded by Confucius emphasizing ethics.

Daoism

Philosophy advocating harmony with nature.

Qin Dynasty

Chinese dynasty from 221-206 B.C.E. known for Legalism.

Emperor Qin Shihuangdi

First emperor of China, known for unification.

Legalism

Philosophy promoting strict laws and state control.

Battle of Changping

Decisive battle during Qin expansion, 262-260 B.C.E.