Untitled Flashcards Set

Loess

A fine windblown soil that significantly raises the water levels of rivers and contributes to agricultural productivity. The color of loess gave the Yellow River its name, and its fertile properties were crucial for ancient Chinese farming.

Yellow River (Huang He)

A major river in China known for its unpredictable flooding which has historically caused devastation, earning it the nickname 'River of Sorrows.' Its flooding led ancient Chinese societies to develop sophisticated irrigation and flood control methods.

Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE)

The dynasty that marked the beginning of recorded Chinese history, known for its advanced bronze metallurgy, the development of writing and the establishment of a stratified social structure.

Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046–256 BCE)

The dynasty that introduced the concept of the Mandate of Heaven, positing that heaven granted the right to rule based on virtue, thus allowing for the rise and fall of rulers depending on their abilities.

Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE)

The dynasty known for unifying China under a centralized government, standardizing measurements and currency, and initiating the construction of the Great Wall to defend against northern invasions.

Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)

A golden age for China characterized by economic prosperity, cultural development, and the establishment of Confucianism as the state philosophy; marked by the flourishing of trade along the Silk Road.

Silk Road

A network of trade routes that connected China to Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, facilitating the exchange of silk, spices, and cultural and technological ideas.

Monsoons

Seasonal winds critical for agriculture in India, providing necessary rainfall for crops. However, excessive monsoon rains can lead to devastating floods.

Mauryan Empire

The first significant empire in India founded by Chandragupta Maurya, characterized by a centralized government, military conquests, and the establishment of trade routes that enhanced commerce.

Decimal System

A numerical system developed in ancient India that includes the concept of zero, revolutionizing mathematics and calculations.

Vedas

The ancient sacred texts of Hinduism that encompass hymns, rituals, and philosophies that form the foundation of Hindu faith and practices.

Rebirth (Samsara)

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism and Buddhism, with the aim of achieving liberation (moksha) from this cycle.

Dharma

Moral and ethical duties and responsibilities in Hinduism, representing the right path of living in harmony with the universe.

Karma

The principle that a person's actions will influence their fate in the future, particularly concerning their next life in the context of rebirth.

Ahimsa

The principle of nonviolence and respect for all living beings in Hinduism and Buddhism, emphasizing compassion and tolerance.

Buddhism

A spiritual tradition founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) centered on the attainment of enlightenment and liberation from suffering through understanding and practice.