Topic 7 Flashcards: Medieval Asia (China, Japan, India, Mongols)

I RETAIN LOTS OF INFO EASILY

Genghis Khan

Born as Temüjin around 1162, he unified the Mongol tribes through alliances and warfare, becoming Genghis Khan ("universal ruler") in 1206. He built the largest land empire in history by conquering parts of China, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Known for military genius, using cavalry, spies, and terror tactics; promoted merit-based leadership and religious tolerance.

Kublai Khan

Grandson of Genghis Khan (1215–1294), he completed the Mongol conquest of China in 1279 and founded the Yuan Dynasty as its first emperor. Ruled from Khanbaliq (modern Beijing), promoted trade along the Silk Road, hosted Marco Polo, and tried (but failed) to invade Japan. Blended Mongol and Chinese traditions, supporting arts and infrastructure like canals.

Li Bai & Du Fu

Famous Tang Dynasty poets (8th century). Li Bai was a romantic poet known for themes of nature, wine, and freedom (e.g., "Drinking Alone by Moonlight"). Du Fu focused on social issues, war, and hardship (e.g., poems about poverty during rebellions). Together, they represent the golden age of Chinese poetry, influencing literature with vivid imagery and emotional depth.

Mahmud of Ghazna

Ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire in Afghanistan (971–1030), a Turkish Muslim who raided northern India 17 times, destroying Hindu temples and looting wealth. Spread Islam in India, weakened local kingdoms, and established a base for later Muslim dynasties like the Delhi Sultanate. Patron of arts, including Persian poet Ferdowsi.

Marco Polo

Italian merchant traveler (1254–1324) who journeyed to China via the Silk Road, serving Kublai Khan for 17 years. His book "The Travels of Marco Polo" described Chinese wonders like paper money, coal, and the Grand Canal, inspiring European exploration. Though some details are debated, it bridged East-West knowledge.

Minamoto Yoritomo

Japanese samurai leader (1147–1199) who won the Gempei War against the Taira clan, becoming the first shogun in 1192 and establishing the Kamakura Shogunate. Shifted power from the emperor to military rulers, creating a feudal system with samurai loyalty. His rule marked the start of Japan's medieval warrior era.

Mongols

Nomadic tribes from Central Asia's steppes, skilled in horseback warfare. Under Genghis Khan, they created a vast empire (1206–1368) promoting trade, Pax Mongolica (peaceful trade era), and cultural exchange. Conquered China (Yuan Dynasty), Russia, and Persia but failed in Japan and Vietnam. Known for adaptability and brutality.

Murasaki Shikibu

Japanese noblewoman (c. 973–1014) during the Heian Period, author of "The Tale of Genji," the world's first novel. It depicts court life, romance, and emotions through Prince Genji's story. As a lady-in-waiting, she wrote in hiragana (women's script), highlighting women's roles in literature.

Prince Shotoku Taishi

Japanese regent (574–622) who promoted Buddhism and Chinese influences. Issued the Seventeen-Article Constitution (604), emphasizing harmony, bureaucracy, and emperor's role. Sent missions to China, adopting calendar, art, and government models, helping unify Japan under Yamato rule.

Sui Wendi

Founder of the Sui Dynasty (541–604), unified China after centuries of division by conquering southern states. Built the Grand Canal for trade/transport, standardized coins/weights, and reformed bureaucracy. His harsh rule (forced labor, wars) led to rebellion, but laid foundations for Tang prosperity.

Tang Xuanzong

Tang emperor (685–762, ruled 712–756), oversaw a golden age with economic growth, poetry (Li Bai, Du Fu), and cultural flourishing. Expanded empire to Central Asia, promoted Buddhism/Taoism. Later, his obsession with concubine Yang Guifei caused the An Lushan Rebellion, weakening the dynasty.

Temüjin

Birth name of Genghis Khan (1162–1227). Orphaned young, he rose by forging alliances, avenging enemies, and unifying Mongol clans through merit and loyalty oaths. Proclaimed Genghis Khan in 1206, starting conquests that reshaped Asia.

Uighurs

Turkic nomadic people in Central Asia who allied with Tang China against Tibetans. After Tang's fall, they formed kingdoms, adopting Manichaeism/Buddhism. Later influenced by Mongols; today, a Muslim ethnic group in China. Helped in trade and military during medieval times.

Wu Zhao (Empress Wu)

Only female emperor in Chinese history (624–705, ruled 690–705). Started as Tang concubine, became empress, then deposed sons to rule as Zhou Dynasty founder. Promoted Buddhism, merit exams, and women's roles; expanded empire but faced criticism for ruthlessness.

Zheng He

Ming Dynasty admiral (1371–1433), a Muslim eunuch who led seven treasure voyages (1405–1433) with massive fleets to India, Africai, and Arabia. Promoted trade, diplomacy, and Chinese prestige, bringing back giraffes and tribute. Voyages ended due to costs and isolationism.

Archipelago

A chain of islands, like Japan (over 6,800 islands). Shaped Japanese history by isolating it, promoting unique culture, and relying on sea for trade/fishing. Made invasions hard (e.g., Mongol failures).

Bushido

"Way of the warrior," samurai code emphasizing loyalty, honor, courage, and self-discipline. Developed in medieval Japan, influenced by Zen Buddhism and Confucianism. Included seppuku (ritual suicide) for failure. Guided samurai under shoguns.

Celadon

Green-glazed porcelain from Song China, prized for jade-like appearance. Exported via trade, symbolizing artistic/technological advances. Used in rituals and as luxury goods.

Changan

Capital of Tang Dynasty (modern Xi'an), world's largest city (1 million people). Hub of Silk Road trade, with markets, temples, and diverse cultures (Buddhists, Muslims). Symbol of cosmopolitan prosperity.

Daimyo

Feudal lords in medieval Japan who controlled estates and samurai armies. Loyal to shogun, they fought for power during Sengoku period. Like European barons, they built castles and collected taxes.

Dowry

Property/money a bride's family gives to the groom. In medieval India, common in Hindu marriages, sometimes burdensome. Reflected social status but could lead to inequalities.

Hangzhou

Southern Song capital after northern loss, a bustling trade city with canals, markets, and 1 million residents. Marco Polo called it paradise; center for silk, tea, and printing.

Karakorum

Mongol capital under Genghis/Ogedei Khan in Mongolia. Tent city turned stone, hub for empire administration and trade. Declined after Kublai moved to China.

Kyoto

Japanese capital during Heian Period (794–1185), modeled on Changan. Center of court culture, arts, and Buddhism. Later, power shifted to Kamakura under shoguns.

Maharaja

Great king" title for Indian rulers, like in Gupta or regional kingdoms. Symbolized authority in Hindu/Buddhist states, often divine-linked.

Samurai

Warrior class in Japan, serving daimyo/shogun. Followed bushido, skilled in swords/archery. Rose in power during Kamakura, dominating feudal society.

Scholar-gentry

Educated elite in Tang/Song China who passed civil service exams based on Confucianism. Controlled bureaucracy, owned land, and influenced policy. Promoted merit over aristocracy.

Shogun

Military dictator in Japan ("barbarian-subduing generalissimo"). From 1192 (Minamoto Yoritomo), shoguns ruled while emperors were figureheads. Led feudal era with samurai.

Shoushi

Likely a typo or variant; possibly refers to "Shushi" as Zhu Xi, founder of Neo-Confucianism. Emphasized rationalism, ethics, and classics study, influencing China, Korea, Japan.

Silk Road

Trade routes linking China to Europe/Middle East, exchanging silk, spices, ideas. Boosted under Tang/Song/Mongols, spreading Buddhism, technology (paper, gunpowder).

The Tale of Genji

Novel by Murasaki Shikibu (1010), about Prince Genji's life/loves in Heian court. Explores emotions, beauty, impermanence. First psychological novel, written in Japanese.

Chan Buddhism

Chinese form of Zen, emphasizing meditation, intuition over scriptures. Spread from India, influenced Tang/Song art/poetry. Focused on sudden enlightenment.

Chinese Buddhism

Adapted from India, blending with Daoism/Confucianism. Mahayana dominant, with sects like Pure Land (faith-based) and Chan (meditation). Temples economic centers; persecuted at times.

Fujiwara Clan

Powerful Japanese aristocratic family during Heian Period, controlling emperors through marriages/regencies. Promoted court culture but weakened central power, leading to samurai rise.

Heian Period

Japan (794–1185), elegant court era in Kyoto. Focused on aesthetics, poetry, Buddhism. Women like Murasaki contributed; decline due to corruption, rise of warriors.

Kamakura Shogunate

First shogunate (1185–1333) under Minamoto Yoritomo in Kamakura. Military government, feudalism with samurai. Repelled Mongol invasions; promoted Zen Buddhism.

Koguryo (Korea)

Northern Korean kingdom (37 BCE–668 CE), resisted Chinese invasions. Adopted Buddhism/Confucianism, known for murals, fortifications. Conquered by Silla/Tang alliance.

Koryo

Korean dynasty (918–1392), unified peninsula. Adopted Chinese bureaucracy/exams, printed Buddhist texts (world's first movable type). Faced Mongol invasions, became vassal.

Mahayana Buddhism

"Great Vehicle" branch, emphasizing bodhisattvas (helpers) and salvation for all. Dominant in China/Japan/Korea, with scriptures, rituals. Contrasts Theravada's individual focus.

Nara Period (Japan)

(710–794), capital in Nara modeled on China. Centralized government, Buddhism state religion. Built temples like Todaiji; ended due to monk power, moved to Heian.

Neo-Confucianism

Song-era revival of Confucianism by Zhu Xi, blending with Buddhism/Daoism. Stressed ethics, hierarchy, education. Became official ideology, influencing exams and society.

Paekche (Korea)

Southwestern Korean kingdom (18 BCE–660 CE), allied with Japan. Spread Buddhism/culture to Japan; skilled in arts. Conquered by Silla/Tang.

Pure Land Buddhism

Mahayana sect emphasizing faith in Amitabha Buddha for rebirth in paradise. Popular in China/Japan among commoners, simple chants over complex meditation.

Shinto

Japan's indigenous religion, worshiping kami (spirits) in nature/shrines. Animistic, rituals for harmony. Blended with Buddhism in medieval Japan.

Silla (Korea)

Southeastern Korean kingdom (57 BCE–935 CE), unified Korea with Tang help. Golden age of arts, Buddhism. Hwarang warriors; queens ruled at times.

Song Dynasty

(960–1279), economic boom with inventions (printing, gunpowder). Neo-Confucianism, scholar-gentry rule. Northern lost to Jurchens, southern to Mongols. Urban growth, trade.

Sui Dynasty

(581–618), unified China, built Grand Canal/walls. Harsh rule caused fall, but infrastructure enabled Tang success.

Tang Dynasty

(618–907), golden age: expanded empire, Silk Road trade, poetry. Equal-field system, exams. An Lushan Rebellion weakened; cosmopolitan with foreign influences.

Theravada Buddhism

"Way of the Elders," focused on individual enlightenment via monastic life, original teachings. Dominant in Southeast Asia/Sri Lanka, less in East Asia.

Yamato Clan

Early Japanese ruling family (c. 250–710), claimed divine descent. Unified clans, adopted Chinese writing/government. Basis for imperial line.

Yuan Dynasty

Mongol rule in China (1271–1368) under Kublai Khan. Foreign rulers distrusted Chinese, used foreigners in bureaucracy. Promoted trade, drama; fell due to rebellions, plagues.

Zen Buddhism

Japanese form of Chan, emphasizing meditation (zazen), koans for enlightenment. Popular among samurai for discipline. Introduced in Kamakura Period.

Describe three (3) technological advancements that spurred the development of new products and/or trade in China before the end of the Song Dynasty.

1. Movable type printing (Bi Sheng, 1040s): Allowed mass production of books, spreading knowledge and Neo-Confucianism, boosting literacy and trade in paper goods. 2. Gunpowder (9th century): Used in weapons/fireworks, later traded/exported, revolutionizing warfare and mining. 3. Magnetic compass (Song era): Improved navigation for sea trade, expanding routes to Southeast Asia/India, increasing porcelain/spice exchanges.

Describe three (3) ideas that Japan ‘borrowed’ or adapted from China during the medieval period.

• Japan adopted a Chinese-style centralized bureaucracy with ranked officials and Confucian education, though real power stayed with aristocratic families.

• Buddhism arrived from China (through Korea) and shaped Japanese art, philosophy, and religion, eventually developing into local forms like Zen and Pure Land.

• Japan borrowed the Chinese writing system and lunar calendar, using kanji alongside newly created hiragana and following Chinese-style timekeeping for farming and festivals.

Explain at least two major sources of wealth in medieval India and how they were related.

Two major sources of wealth in medieval India were the spice and cotton trade and temple-based agriculture, with temples collecting taxes, owning land, and funding commerce. Agricultural surpluses like rice and cotton supported both trade and temple wealth, which in turn boosted the region’s overall economy.

How was the Yuan Dynasty different than the Chinese dynasties that came before it? Were there any aspects that remained the same?

The Mongol rulers in China didn’t really trust the Han Chinese, so they brought in Persians and Muslims to run big parts of the government and skipped the usual civil service exams at first. They cared way more about running an empire—trade, conquest, and control—than building up traditional Chinese culture, and they set up a class system that put Mongols at the top. But at the same time, they still borrowed a ton from China: they kept the bureaucracy, copied court rituals, supported the arts, and leaned on Confucian social norms to keep people in line. They also used the Grand Canal to tie the empire together and keep the economy moving. Overall, the Yuan dynasty was super global and diverse, but that mix—plus shaky rule—made it unstable enough that the Ming eventually pushed them out.

Describe the three (3) different religions that influenced medieval India and how?

Hinduism stayed the main religion, powering the caste system, running temple-based economies, and spreading the Bhakti movement’s “devotion over ritual” vibe. Islam came in through conquest and trade, bringing new converts, new architecture, and moments of both tension and tolerance under rulers like the Delhi Sultanate. Buddhism had faded by this point, but its ideas still shaped art, ethics, and philosophy, alongside Jainism’s strong emphasis on non-violence. Together, these religions created a mix of unity and conflict that defined social life, politics, and culture. Overall, Hinduism held the social framework, Islam reshaped governance and trade networks, and Buddhism/Jainism influenced moral thought.