Classic Civs Notes

Who were the Aryans and what did they introduce to India?

Indo-Europeans from the Hindu Kush mountains who introduced horse-drawn chariots and established the Vedas.

What is the caste system established by the Aryans called?

Varnas, a rigid, birth-based structure that includes Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Sudras, and Untouchables.

What are the Vedas in Hinduism?

The holy texts created by the Aryans.

What is the central belief of Hinduism regarding the ultimate reality?

All is Brahman.

What is Moksha in Hinduism?

The goal of union with Brahman, achieved by escaping Samsara through fulfilling Dharma.

Who founded Buddhism and what led to its formation?

Siddhartha Gautama founded Buddhism after observing suffering and realizing desire causes it.

What are the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?

1. Life involves suffering. 2. Desire causes suffering. 3. Ending desire ends suffering. 4. Follow the Eightfold Path to end desires.

What is the Eightfold Path in Buddhism known as?

The Middle Way to end desires, comprising eight practices.

What is the main difference between Buddhism and Hinduism regarding caste?

Buddhism rejected the caste system, while Hinduism reinforces it.

Who established the Mauryan Dynasty and what was significant about it?

Chandragupta Maurya established India's first centralized rule after defeating Greek forces.

What major accomplishments did Ashoka achieve during the Mauryan Dynasty?

He expanded the empire, unified India, and converted to Buddhism, spreading the religion.

What economic factors contributed to the prosperity of the Gupta Dynasty?

Trade flourishing with Rome and China via the Silk Road and reliance on agriculture.

What significant advancements were made during the Gupta Dynasty?

Advancements in astronomy, mathematics (zero, decimals), and medicine.

What characterized the Late Zhou Dynasty's political/economic system?

The well-field system, where aristocratic families owned land and peasants worked it.

What major reforms did Qin Shi Huangdi implement during the Qin Dynasty?

He ended the warring states, standardized currency, divided the country into districts, and enforced legalism.

What were some key achievements of the Han Dynasty?

Expansion of the Great Wall, development of the Silk Road, invention of paper, and establishment of a merit-based bureaucracy.

What were the main philosophies that emerged during the Warring States period in China?

Legalism, Confucianism, and Daoism.

What principle did Confucianism emphasize?

Rule by merit and the importance of family/community duty (filial piety).