Key Concepts of East Asia and Islamic Empires/ Chapters 1-3

Sui Dynasty

A Dynasty founded by Yang Jian that lasted from 589-618 CE, known for centralizing China's government and completing the Grand Canal.

Grand Canal

A significant waterworks project completed by the 2nd emperor Sui Yangdi that linked northern and southern China, aiding trade and agriculture.

Tang Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty founded by Tang Taizong, lasting from 618-907 CE, known as China's Golden Age with achievements in governance and military expansion.

Equal-Field system

A system implemented during the Tang Dynasty that aimed to distribute land more equitably among the population.

Merit-based bureaucracy

A government system during the Tang Dynasty that emphasized civil-service exams for bureaucratic positions, leading to a highly educated population.

Song Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty founded by Song Taizu that lasted from 960-1279 CE, known for breaking the pattern of Feudalism and promoting agricultural advancements.

Fast-ripening rice

An agricultural innovation during the Song Dynasty that allowed for increased food production and population growth.

Neo-Confucianism

A philosophical movement that emerged in the mid-9th century, blending Buddhism and Confucianism and influencing political and moral ideals in China.

Chinese Influence in Korea and Vietnam

The spread of Chinese views and practices in Korea and Vietnam through military campaigns, tributary relationships, and trade from 618-1279 CE.

Heian Period

A period in Japan from 794-1185 CE characterized by significant Chinese influence on literature and government, leading to Japan's cultural distinctiveness.

Shia vs. Sunni

A division in Islam where Shia believe leadership should come from Muhammad's bloodline, while Sunnis advocate for leaders based on merit.

Ali

The cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, whose assassination in 661 CE marked a significant event in the conflict between Shia and Sunni Muslims.

Umayyad Dynasty

A dynasty that expanded Islam significantly, primarily through military conquests.

Abbasid Dynasty

A dynasty known for innovation and cultural advancements in the Islamic world following the Umayyad Dynasty.

Confucianism

A philosophical and ethical system based on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizing morality, social relationships, and justice.

Tributary relationships

Political and economic relationships where one state acknowledges the supremacy of another and pays tribute, common in East Asia.

Cultural orbit

The influence of one culture on surrounding regions, as seen with Chinese culture in Korea and Vietnam.

Food binding

A practice associated with the increased patriarchal structure in Song Dynasty China, reflecting societal norms regarding women's status.

Military campaigns

Military operations conducted to assert influence or control over other regions, significant in the spread of Chinese culture.

Literature advances

Improvements and developments in literary forms and styles during the Heian Period in Japan, influenced by Chinese writing.

Urbanization

The process of population growth in urban areas, significantly occurring during the Song Dynasty due to agricultural advancements.

Patriarchal society structure

A social system in which men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, and control of property.

Golden Age

Period of prosperity and advancements in Abbasid Dynasty.

Jizya

Tax on non-Muslims for religious freedom under Umayyads.

Sufis

Missionaries promoting Islam through acceptance and mysticism.

Ibn-Rushd

Philosopher (1126-1198) influencing European scholarship.

Al-Andalus

Caliphate in Cordoba known for cultural innovations.

Mahmud of Ghazni

Ruthless ruler (1206-1526) raising Hindu-Muslim tensions.

Sultanate of Delhi

Islamic empire (1206-1526) with 35 sultans in India.

Bhakti Movement

12th-century movement merging Islam and Hinduism.

Vijayanagar Kingdom

Hindu empire (1336-1565) founded by converted brothers.

Srivijaya

Maritime trade empire (670-1431) in Southeast Asia.

Angkor

Agricultural-focused empire succeeding Srivijaya in SE Asia.

Cultural Harmony

Coexistence of diverse religions in Baghdad's Golden Age.

Military Expansion

Umayyad strategy leading to rapid Islamic spread.

Architecture

Significant development during Mahmud of Ghazni's rule.

Social Hierarchy

Umayyad system favoring Arab military elite.

Economic Prosperity

Result of trade focus in Abbasid Dynasty.

Ascetics

Sufis practicing self-discipline and spiritual focus.

Mystics

Sufis exploring deeper spiritual experiences.

Religious Syncretism

Blending of beliefs in Bhakti Movement.

Local Leadership

Sultanate's reliance hindering control over Hindus.

Cultural Diffusion

Spread of Buddhism and Hinduism in Southeast Asia.

Trade Relations

Vijayanagar's ties with Muslim merchants.