Developments in East Asia c. 1200 to c. 1450 Study Guide

Song Dynasty

Replaced the tang in 960 and ruled for more than three centuries. They lost control of northern lands to invading pastoralists from Manchuria who set up the Jin Empire. Although the song ruled a smaller region then the tang, their reign was prosperous and under them the arts flourished.

Imperial bureaucracy

a complex, hierarchical administrative system used by empires to manage vast territories, enforce laws, and collect taxes, typically featuring appointed officials rather than elected representatives

Meritocracy and the civil service exam

Meritocracy is a system where power and positions are awarded based on individual ability, talent, and achievements (merit) rather than birthright or connections. The civil service exam is a standardized test used to select government officials based on this merit, aiming for a professional, competent bureaucracy.

Champa rice

Champa rice is a fast-maturing, drought-resistant strain from the Champa kingdom (modern-day Vietnam) introduced to Song Dynasty China around 1012. It allowed for multiple harvests per year, drastically increasing agricultural yields and causing a population boom from over 100 million.

Role of Woman

strict gendered spheres, prioritizing domesticity, submission, and virtue within a patriarchal structure.

Buddhism and Daoism

Three form of buddhism that came from India came to Asia, each developing a different emphasis

Theravada Buddhism