1.16 Early History of India, China, and Japan

What happened to India and China in their early histories?

Both India and China suffered invasion and outside rule.

How did India's native Hindus and Muslim conquerors coexist?

They existed side-by-side, creating a rich and diverse culture.

What characterizes China's history?

A succession of ruling dynasties.

How did Japan's geography influence its development?

Protected from invasion, feudal Japan developed its own distinct language, writing system, and artistic style.

When did Muslim invaders create kingdoms in northern India?

In the 11th and 12th centuries.

What was the most powerful Muslim sultanate in India and when did it exist?

The Delhi Sultanate (12th-15th century).

How did Hindus primarily support themselves under Muslim rule?

Most Hindus were self-sufficient farmers.

What system dominated Hindu life?

The caste system.

What were key beliefs in the Hindu religion?

Belief in the supreme being (Brahman) and reincarnation.

Who united and ruled most of India?

The Mughuls.

What were the Mughuls known for?

Being great builders, like the Taj Mahal.

When did the Mughul Empire decline?

in the 18th century

What happened to the Chinese Empire after the fall of the Tang rulers?

It lost much territory.

What was the importance of city life in the Sung Empire?

Foreign trade allowed populations to grow in cities and become sophisticated.

Who united nomadic peoples and conquered China?

Genghis Khan

Who became emperor of China among the Mongols?

Kublai Khan

Who opened trade with China and described the Mongol Empire?

Marco Polo, the Italian explorer

Which dynasties maintained Chinese culture?

The Ming and Manchu Dynasties

Who ousted the Mongols from China?

The Ming (native Chinese)

What was a characteristic of Ming (1368-1644) rulers?

They limited contact with the West

When did the Manchus overrun China?

1600-1900s

What policy did the Manchus follow, and what was its effect?

Isolationism, which weakened China.

What influenced Chinese culture?

The teachings of Confucius

From whom did early Japanese civilization borrow?

China

When did Japanese culture develop?

During the Heian Era (794-1156)

What poetic form developed in Japan during the Heian Era?

Haiku

What were the three periods of feudal government in Japan?

Kamakura, Ashikaga, and Tokugawa

Who was the actual ruler during Japan's feudal period?

The Shogun

Who were figureheads during Japan's feudal period?

The emperors

What characterized the Ashikaga Shogunate (1394-1573)?

Nobles struggled for power and the arts flourished.

What happened during the Tokugawa Era (1603-1868)?

The central government grew strong, and the old Samurai class and feudal way of life declined, leading to major political and social changes.

What were some accomplishments of Japan?

Developed their own language and writing system, literature, poetry, and the Shinto religion.

What did the Shinto religion emphasize?

A love of nature, beauty, and good manners.

What was the primary difference in early historical experiences between Japan and India/China?

Japan was protected from invasion by geography, allowing a distinct culture to develop, while India and China both suffered invasion and outside rule.

Which Chinese dynasty was known for limiting contact with the West?

The Ming Dynasty

What impact did Marco Polo have on trade between Europe and China?

He opened the door to trade with China and described the Mongol Empire to Europeans.