Classical India and China Review

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Classical India and China.

Aryans

A group that arrived in India around 1500 BCE and developed the Caste System.

Caste System

A rigid social hierarchy based mainly on birth.

Brahmins

Priests and religious leaders in the Caste System.

Kshatrivas

Warriors and rulers in the Caste System.

Vaishyas

Merchants and farmers in the Caste System.

Shudras

Laborers and workers in the Caste System.

Dalits

People outside the traditional caste system.

Dharma

Your duty and the right way to live.

Karma

The principle that your actions affect your future.

Reincarnation

Being reborn.

Moksha

Freedom from the cycle of rebirth.

Siddhartha Gautama

The Buddha, who founded Buddhism.

Nirvana

Freedom from suffering; the main goal of Buddhism.

Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path

Important teachings of Buddhism.

Ashoka

A Mauryan ruler who converted to Buddhism and promoted peace after the Kalinga War.

Mauryan Empire

An empire remembered primarily for Ashoka and Buddhism.

Gupta Empire

An empire remembered for its Golden Age, Hinduism, zero, math, astronomy, art, and literature.

Great Wall

A structure built for protection from invasions.

Grand Canal

A canal constructed for transportation and trade.

Han Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty known for achievements in paper, the Silk Road, and government advances.

Silk Road

A trade network that spread goods, ideas, religions, technology, and diseases.

Confucianism

A philosophy founded by Confucius that teaches respect, family, education, proper behavior, and social order.

Mandate of Heaven

The belief that Heaven gives a ruler the right to rule.

Dynastic Cycle

The cycle represented as: strong dynasty -> problems -> lose Mandate -> rebellion -> new dynasty.

Classical China Social Structure

A social hierarchy ordered as: Emperor -> Scholar officials -> Peasants -> Artisans -> Merchants.

India vs. China Social Structure Difference

India was more rigid and based on birth, whereas China had more opportunity through education and government service.