Unit 1 Study Notes: Asian States and Societies in a Connected Afro-Eurasia (c. 1200–1450) (copy)

Song dynasty

A Chinese dynasty that ruled much of China after the Tang collapsed, notable for its centralized state built through bureaucracy, ideology, and economic innovation.

bureaucracy

A system of government where appointed officials manage the state through offices, records, and rules.

civil service examinations

Tests for government office based on knowledge of Confucian texts, which favored elite men and strengthened central authority.

Neo-Confucianism

A revival and reinterpretation of Confucian thought during the Song era that addresses deeper philosophical questions beyond social ethics.

Champa rice

A fast-ripening rice variety from Vietnam that greatly increased agricultural yield and supported population growth in China.

commercialization

The expansion of markets and trade, significantly developed during the Song dynasty, indicating a growing economy and urbanization.

paper money

Currency used by the Song dynasty, showcasing a sophisticated financial system and indicating the scale of commerce.

Gunpowder

An explosive compound invented during the Song dynasty, significant for the development of weaponry and military technology.

Dar al-Islam

Regions where Islamic rule and Muslim communities are predominant, characterized by a shared religion (Islam) and interconnected trade networks.

sharia

Islamic law derived from the Qur'an and Sunnah, interpreted by religious scholars (ulama) and guiding moral and legal conduct.

Sufism

A mystical Islamic tradition emphasizing personal experience of the divine and characterized by brotherhoods and charismatic teachers.

Hinduism

A major religion in South Asia influencing social structure, particularly through the caste system, defining roles and expectations in society.

Bhakti movement

A devotional movement within Hinduism emphasizing personal devotion over ritual, challenging elite religious authority.

Delhi Sultanate

A series of Muslim-ruled states in northern India from the 1200s that represent state formation through conquest and governance.

mandala

A political system in Southeast Asia where power radiates from a center and weakens with distance, emphasizing tribute and alliances.

Khmer Empire

A land-based Southeast Asian state known for monumental architecture (like Angkor Wat) and sophisticated water management systems.

syncretism

The blending of different religious traditions, often seen in Southeast Asia where local customs incorporate elements of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.