China's Dynasties, Buddhism, and the Spread of Islam

China

Large country with diverse environments and geography.

Huang He River

Also known as the Yellow River; cradle of civilization.

Confucianism

Ethical system emphasizing good behavior and moral character.

Golden Rule

Do not do unto others what you wouldn't want done.

Dynasty

Line of hereditary rulers in a country.

Mandate of Heaven

Divine right to rule granted by Heaven.

Bureaucracy

Imperial organization with appointed officials managing policies.

Meritocracy

System where positions are based on individual merit.

Civil Service Exams

Tests on Confucian texts for government positions.

Golden Age

Peak period of peace, stability, and innovation.

Tang Dynasty

Era of agricultural improvements and increased trade.

Song Dynasty

Dynasty of rapid population growth and prosperity in China.

Scholar Gentry

Influential social class of educated Confucian scholars.

Woodblock Printing

Technique that increased access to literature.

Buddhism

Religion that spread to China via the Silk Roads.

Theravada Buddhism

One of the three forms of Buddhism.

Mahayana Buddhism

Another form of Buddhism, emphasizing compassion.

Tibetan Buddhism

Distinct form of Buddhism with unique practices.

Chan Buddhism

Chinese form of Buddhism focusing on meditation.

Syncretism

Combination of Buddhist and Daoist traditions.

Intellectual Pursuits

Flourishing of education and cultural developments.

Tang Dynasty

Struggled with Buddhism, leading to monastery closures.

Chan Buddhism

Popular among Chinese citizens despite official opposition.

Song Dynasty

Promoted native traditions, especially Confucianism.

Neo-Confucianism

Syncretic system combining Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism.

Ethics

Focus on moral principles over mystical beliefs.

Filial Piety

Respect for elders and family hierarchy in Confucianism.

Foot Binding

Practice impairing women's mobility, symbolizing status.

Golden Lotus Foot

Three-inch foot achieved through painful binding.

Cultural Spread

Influence of Chinese traditions on Japan, Korea, Vietnam.

Confucianism in Japan

Practiced alongside Shintoism, influencing society.

Heinan Period

Time of Chinese cultural adoption in Japan.

Korean Tribute

Required payments to the Chinese emperor.

Vietnamese Independence

Resisted cultural influence from China despite adoption.

Islam

Religion founded in 7th century Arabia.

Qur'an

Holy book of Islam, guiding its teachings.

Five Pillars of Islam

Major beliefs defining the Islamic faith.

Sunni Muslims

Support elected leaders after Muhammad's death.

Shi'a Muslims

Support leadership from Muhammad's family after his death.

Sufism

Mystical Islamic practice emphasizing personal connection to God.

Abbasid Caliphate

Rulers of Dar al-Islam from 750-1258.

Dar al-Islam

Regions where Islam spread and flourished.

Golden Age

Period of significant achievements and cultural growth.

Nasir al-Din al-Tusi

Islamic scholar contributing to multiple disciplines.

Ibn Khaldun

Founder of historiography and sociology fields.

'A'ishah al-Ba'uniyyah

Prolific female Muslim writer and Sufi poet.

Sufism

Islamic practice emphasizing inward search for God.

Female Infanticide

Practice of ending female infant lives.

Islamic Women's Rights

Women had more rights than Christian and Jewish women.

Islamic Commerce

Merchants gained valued societal positions through trade.

Slavery in Islam

Muslims prohibited from enslaving fellow Muslims.

Monastery

Religious complex for faith-focused withdrawal from society.

Srivijaya Empire

Hindu kingdom profiting from Indian-China trade routes.

Majapahit Kingdom

Buddhist kingdom controlling sea routes with tributaries.

Hayam Wuruk

Ruler of Majapahit during its peak power.

Gajah Mada

Prime minister who expanded Majapahit's territories.

Khmer Empire

Prosperous kingdom with advanced irrigation systems.

Angkor Wat

Temple showcasing Indian cultural influences in Khmer.

Indian Ocean Trade Route

Key location for goods and ideas exchange.

Sufi Missionaries

Traveled trade routes to spread Islam.

Syncretic Worship

Combining Islam with local traditions and faiths.

Tributary System

Majapahit's method for wealth through tax collection.

Rice Crop Harvesting

Khmer irrigation allowed multiple harvests yearly.

Cultural Influences

Variety of Indian influences seen in Khmer art.

Medicinal Goods

Trade included items like sandalwood and camphor.

Sukhothai

First major kingdom in Thailand, founded 1238.

Phra Ruang

Founder of Sukhothai, declared independence from Khmer.

Sukhothai meaning

Means 'Dawn of Happiness', reflects cultural significance.

Thai script

Created by King Ramkhamhaeng, foundational for written Thai.

Theravada Buddhism

Primary religion in Sukhothai, focused on monasteries.

Gupta Empire

Hindu empire known for cultural innovations and prosperity.

Golden Age of India

Period of prosperity and cultural achievements for India.

Samsara

Cycle of death and rebirth in Hinduism.

Moksha

Escape from the cycle of reincarnation.

Karma

Relationship between actions and their consequences.

Dharma

One's duty in life, influenced by karma.

Bhakti Movement

Religious reform emphasizing personal deity relationships.

Chola Dynasty

Known for organized bureaucracy and strong military.

Vijayanagara Empire

Centralized government in South India, religious tolerance.

Sinhala Dynasties

Buddhist stronghold in Sri Lanka, Tooth relic significance.

Rajput Kingdoms

Scattered kingdoms in North India, known for warriors.

Delhi Sultanate

Unstable regime, poor bureaucracy, struggled with Islam.

Hausa Kingdoms

Kin-based networks in Sub-Saharan Africa, decentralized governance.

Ghana

West African kingdom, peak influence 8th-11th centuries.

Mali

Powerful trading society in West Africa, centralized government.

Trans-Saharan trade

Trade network connecting inland Africa with the coast.

Zimbabwe

Powerful kingdom from 12th to 15th centuries.

Centralized Government

King holds most power, followed by nobles.

Economic Prosperity

Based on agriculture, trade, and gold.

Indian Ocean Trade

Connected East Africa with Middle East and Asia.

Maya Civilization

City-state known for worshiping sun and rain gods.

Chichen Itza

Maya city-state that fell due to drought.

Aztec Society

Theocracy with a tributary system and social hierarchy.

Tributary System

Surrounding areas provided tribute to Aztec leaders.

Inca Architecture

Constructed using stone, resistant to earthquakes.

Mita System

Required public service in construction or agriculture.

Feudalism

Decentralized political organization based on land exchanges.

Medieval Europe

Feudalism provided protection against raiders.

Social Mobility

Limited in feudal societies, mostly hereditary hierarchies.

Manorial System

Economic self-sufficiency limiting trade with outsiders.