World History Study Guide: Topic 2

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Aryabhata

Ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer (476–550 CE). He wrote the Aryabhatiya, introducing concepts like the value of pi, trigonometric functions, and the Earth’s rotation. He explained that lunar and solar eclipses are caused by shadows, not mythological beings.

Asoka

Mauryan emperor known for spreading Buddhism across Asia, promoting peace and tolerance, and inscribing his policies on rocks and pillars.

Candra Gupta/Samudra Gupta

Powerful rulers of the Gupta Empire in India, associated with a “Golden Age” of art, science, and mathematics

Chandragupta Maurya

Founder of the Mauryan Empire; unified much of India and established centralized government.

Faxian

Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled to India, wrote about Buddhist practices, and helped spread Buddhism throughout East Asia

Han Wudi

Major emperor of China’s Han Dynasty; expanded the empire, promoted Confucianism, and founded the Civil Service Exam

Kongfuzi (Confucius)

Chinese philosopher; taught proper relationships, ethics, and government; founded Confucianism.

Laozi

Legendary founder of Daoism/Taoism; emphasized harmony with nature and the Dao (“Way”)

Qin Shihuangdi

First emperor of unified China; started the Great Wall, built a strong central government, and used Legalism.

Siddhartha Gautama

Founder of Buddhism, known as the Buddha; taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Xiongnu

Nomadic people of Central Asia; frequent adversaries of the Han Dynasty

Analects

Main book of Confucius’s teachings

Aristocracy

Social class of nobles (hereditary rule, landowners

Bhagavad Gita

Sacred Hindu text; teaches dharma (duty) and devotion

Brahman/Brahmins

Brahman—universal soul in Hinduism; Brahmins—highest priestly caste.

Major rivers fostering civilization in China/India

Yangtze River, Yellow River, Indus River

Dalit

Group outside India’s four varnas; “untouchables.”

Dharma

Duty, law, and right behavior in Hinduism/Buddhism

Filial Piety

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

Karma

Action and its consequences (both religions)

Warriors

Kshatriyas

Merchant

Vaisyas

Working Class

Sudras

Mahabharata/Ramayana

Epic Sanskrit poems about heroism, duty, and life

Mohenjo Daro & Harappa

Cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization

Moksha

Liberation from the cycle of rebirth in Hinduism

Monsoon

Seasonal wind; brings rain, essential for agriculture

Reincarnation

Belief in rebirth after death (Hinduism and Buddhism)

Sanskrit

Classical language of India

Upanishads

Hindu philosophical texts

Yoga

Disciplined practice aiming at spiritual growth

Buddhism

Religion founded by Buddha, teaching the path to enlightenment

Civil Service Exam

Test for government jobs in ancient China, based on Confucian teachings.

Confucianism/Daoism (Taoism)

Major Chinese philosophies; Confucianism stresses hierarchy and order, Daoism stresses simplicity and nature

Eightfold Path

Buddhist path to end suffering

Five Constant Relationships

Social order rules in Confucianism

Four Noble Truths

Buddha’s core teachings

Great Wall of China

Defensive structure built by emperors to protect China from invasions

Major Indian and Chinese dynasties/empires shaping history

Gupta Empire/Han Dynasty/Mauryan Empire/Qin Dynasty/Zhou Dynasty/Xia & Shang dynasties/Kushan Empire

Harappan Civilization

Early civilization in the Indus Valley; advanced urban planning

Hinduism/Buddhism

Religions teaching karma, dharma, reincarnation, and spiritual goals; Hinduism has multiple gods and caste system, Buddhism focuses on enlightenment.

Indo-Aryan Migrations

Movements that brought new languages and culture to India

Legalism

Chinese philosophy emphasizing strict laws and harsh punishments; used by Qin dynasty for control.

Mandate of Heaven

Chinese belief that rulers are divinely chosen but lose support if unjust

Silk Road

Ancient network of trade routes connecting Asia to Europe

Varna (Caste) System

Hindu social hierarchy—Brahmin, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, Sudras, Dalit.

Brahmin

Priest/Scholar

Kshatriya

Warrior/Ruler

Vaisya

Merchant/farmer

Sudra

Laborer

Dalit

Outsider/Untouchable

Four Noble Truths (Buddhism)

1. All life is suffering.

2. Suffering is caused by desire.

3. Ending desire ends suffering.

4. Follow the Eightfold Path to end suffering.

Five Constant Relationships (Confucianism)

• Parent and child

• Husband and wife

• Elder and younger sibling

• Friend and friend

• Ruler and subject

Legalism

Legalism was a strict Chinese philosophy that taught people need harsh laws and strong government to maintain order. The Qin dynasty used Legalism to unify and govern China.

Faxian and Buddhism

Faxian was a Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled to India to collect information on Buddhist practices and scriptures. He was important for spreading Buddhism in China and documenting its development.

Hinduism vs Buddhism: Similarities & Differences

• Both believe in karma and reincarnation.

• Hinduism has many gods and supports the caste system; Buddhism rejects caste and teaches the Four Noble Truths & Eightfold Path for reaching enlightenment.

Civil Service Exam

• Chinese Civil Service Exam tested knowledge of Confucian texts; government jobs were given based on merit, not family.

Confucianism

• Confucian ideas shaped what was tested (proper behavior, relationships).

Mandate of Heaven

• Mandate of Heaven: rulers lost power if unfit; exam system aimed to make officials worthy of ruling.

dalit

untouchable