Song Dynasty & East Asian Key Terms

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the Song Dynasty and related East Asian topics.

Jinshi

The top 10% of the civil service examination results, a merit-based degree that qualified individuals for civil positions; highly prestigious for families and job prospects.

Shadow Privilege

A practice during the Song Dynasty where sons and relatives of officials gained easier access to the civil service exams, creating nepotistic advantages.

Scholar Gentry

An educated elite class above most others, second only to the emperor, who staffed the bureaucracy.

Grand Canal

A major canal system linking the south to the north to transport crops and goods; also supported by a roadside route for foot traffic.

Champa Rice

A drought-resistant, fast-ripening rice from Champa (Vietnam) that increased agricultural yields and supported population growth.

Paper Money / Flying Money

A monetary system using paper currency and transferable credit certificates that facilitated long-distance commerce across Asia.

Bronze Coins (Cash) with Square Hole

Traditional Chinese bronze coinage used for everyday trade, recognizable by its square hole in the center.

Checkpoints Certificates

Certificates exchanged at checkpoints to withdraw money, helping deter theft and spreading financial practices eastward.

Chinese Junks

Large, multi-masted ships with stern-post rudders and sails; used for long-distance maritime trade and defense (rockets on board).

Stern-Post Rudder

A steering mechanism that improved maneuverability for ships, enabling easier turning at sea.

Rockets (on Ships)

Early military rockets mounted on ships for self-defense and offensive capability at sea.

Gunpowder

Explosive powder first used in fireworks but repurposed as a weapon, giving China an early edge in warfare; later enhanced by the Mongols.

Iron & Steel

Advanced production of high-quality iron and steel reducing reliance on agriculture for manpower and boosting industry.

Block Printing

Woodblock printing with carved imprints that allowed faster, cheaper mass production of texts and higher literacy.

Daoism (Daoism)

A philosophy/religion founded on harmony with the Dao (The Way); emphasizes natural order and action without forceful striving.

Laozi (Lao Tzu)

Founder often credited with Daoism, teaching harmony with the Dao and the idea of wu wei (action without excessive effort).

Confucianism

Philosophical system stressing social harmony, hierarchy, and the importance of roles, especially filial piety, in governance.

Filial Piety

Confucian virtue of respect and care for one’s parents and ancestors.

Buddhism

Religion that spread from India via trade routes (Silk Road) and adapted in China; focused on enlightenment and liberation.

Theravada Buddhism

Oldest Buddhist school emphasizing original teachings, monastic life, and attainment of Nirvana as an Arhat.

Mahayana Buddhism

Largest Buddhist branch in China emphasizing universal salvation and the bodhisattva ideal.

Neo-Confucianism

Revival of Confucian thought integrating elements from Daoism and Buddhism to reinforce social hierarchy and self-cultivation.

Foot Binding

Traditional practice in which women’s feet were tightly bound to produce small feet, seen as beauty but restricted mobility.

Cult of Chastity

Cultural expectation that women maintain chastity until marriage, influencing behavior and ethics.

Suicide of Widows

Historical practice where widows could choose suicide as an honor in certain circumstances.

Zen Buddhism

A form of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing meditation and direct, personal insight (satori) over ritual.

Chinese Buddhism

Spread of Buddhism in China, including the invention of tools like the magnetic compass, and integration with local beliefs.

Magnetic Compass (Steel Needle)

Navigational device using a steel needle to indicate direction, greatly aiding maritime exploration and navigation.

Advanced Scholar

A highly recognized researcher or scholar who leads in their field and garners respect within the scholarly community.

Sufism

Islamic mysticism focusing on a personal, devout approach to God through practices like dhikr and asceticism.

Sunni

Main Islamic branch believing caliphs were chosen for spiritual qualifications, not strictly by bloodline.

Shia

Islamic branch that regards Ali and his descendants as the rightful successors to the Prophet Muhammad.

Dor-al-Islam (Dar al-Islam)

The vast regions where Islam is the dominant faith and cultural influence is strong.

Caliphate

Islamic state led by a Caliph, regarded as successor to the Prophet Muhammad.

Syncretism

The blending or fusion of different religious, cultural, or philosophical traditions.

Translation Movement

Abbasid effort (8th–11th c.) to translate Greek, Sanskrit, and Persian texts into Arabic, expanding knowledge.

House of Wisdom

A major center of learning in Baghdad that translated and synthesized Greek, Indian, and Persian texts.

Kowtow

To perform a ceremonial bow or prostration to the emperor as a sign of submission and homage.

Tribute System

A network of exchanges where foreign states paid tribute to China in exchange for trade access and protection.

Afro-Eurasia

The combined landmass of Africa, Europe, and Asia, the context for long-distance exchanges and cultural diffusion.

Minister of Rites

A Chinese government official responsible for ceremonies, rites, and imperial rituals.

Minister of Justice

Government official in charge of administration and enforcement of laws; later developments include codified law.