History IRV + China

Himalayas and Karakoram Mountains

Natural barriers surrounding the Indus River Valley that isolated Indian culture.

Cultural Isolation

Result of difficult travel and invasion due to surrounding mountains, allowing India to develop its own culture.

Monsoon Season

Seasonal winds in South Asia; summer monsoons bring rain for crops while winter monsoons bring dry air.

Decline of the Harappan Civilization

Caused by natural disasters, river shifts, floods, or Aryan invasions.

Trade with Mesopotamia

Indus Valley connected with Mesopotamia through the trade of cotton, jewelry, and pottery.

Heartland of China

Located between the Huang He (Yellow River) and Yangtze River.

Social Classes of the Shang Dynasty

1. Kings/Nobles 2. Warriors 3. Artisans/Traders 4. Peasants.

Zhou Dynasty Innovations

Creation of iron tools, roads, canals, coin usage, and farming improvements.

Feudalism

Political system where kings grant land to nobles in exchange for their loyalty.

Impact of Feudalism on Zhou Dynasty

Led to nobles gaining too much power, resulting in wars and the dynasty's fall.

Mandate of Heaven

Belief that rulers receive power from gods and can lose it if they govern unjustly.

Dynastic Cycle

The cycle of rise, decline, and replacement of dynasties, justified by the Mandate of Heaven.

Consequence of Failing Dynasties

When dynasties fail to meet people's needs, the gods withdraw support, leading to disasters.

Religious Beliefs Comparison: Sumer, Egypt, India, China

Sumer: gods control nature; Egypt: life after death; India: reincarnation; China: ancestor worship.

Cycle of Reincarnation

A person’s karma and dharma determine their next life; good karma leads closer to moksha.

Moksha

Freedom from the cycle of rebirth and union with the supreme spirit, Brahman.

Brahmins

The highest caste in Hindu society, consisting of priests who perform rituals.

Siddhartha Gautama

Buddha whose life experiences led to beliefs about suffering and the path to peace.

Path to Nirvana

Achieved by following the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path to end suffering.

Snakes and Ladders in Hinduism

Game illustrating karma; ladders for good karma and snakes for bad karma.

Buddhism and Lower Castes

Lower castes were drawn to Buddhism because it rejected the caste system.

Spread of Buddhism

Buddhism spread through trade routes and the work of missionaries.

Buddhism's Popularity in India

Hinduism remained dominant due to its cultural and traditional ties.

Four Main Castes in India

Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (merchants), Sudras (laborers).

Reincarnation vs. Nirvana

Reincarnation is the cycle of rebirth; Nirvana is the release from this cycle.

Aryans

Indo-European invaders who migrated to India and established the caste system.

Vedas

Ancient Hindu texts in Sanskrit containing hymns and rituals.

Upanishads

Hindu scriptures that delve into the philosophical teachings of the Vedas.

Brahman

The universal spirit or supreme being in Hinduism.

Oracle Bones

Animal bones used by Shang priests to communicate with the gods.

Loess

Fertile yellow soil found along the Huang He River.

Huang He as ‘China’s Sorrow’

Nickname due to destructive floods caused by the river.

Dynastic Cycle

The recurring pattern of rise, decline, and replacement of Chinese dynasties.

Filial Piety

Respect for parents and elders; a fundamental concept in Confucianism.

Daoism

Chinese philosophy that emphasizes living in harmony with nature.

Founder of Daoism

Laozi, the philosopher who established Daoism.

Legalism

Philosophy advocating for strict laws and severe punishments to maintain order.

Confucianism

Philosophical system by Confucius promoting moral ethics and respect in relationships.

Five Relationships of Confucianism

Ruler–subject, father–son, husband–wife, older brother–younger brother, friend–friend.

Mandate of Heaven and Other Civilizations

Similar to the divine right of kings in European monarchies.

Founder of the Qin Dynasty

Shi Huangdi, who proclaimed himself the 'First Emperor'.

Achievements of the Qin Dynasty

Construction of the Great Wall of China, standardization of currency, writing, and weights.

Achievements of the Han Dynasty

Introduction of civil service exams, paper, seismograph, silk production, and Silk Road expansion.

Silk Road

Ancient trade route linking China to Europe, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas.

Asoka

The Mauryan emperor known for promoting Buddhism and nonviolence.

Gupta Empire

Known as the Golden Age of India, renowned for advancements in math, science, arts, and literature.

Arabic Numerals

Numeric system developed in India which is still utilized worldwide.

Castes

Social stratifications in India determining occupation, marriage, and rank.

Aryans (Second Definition)

Indo-European migrants who came to India and initiated the caste system.

Charioteer

A driver of a chariot, often involved in warfare or competition.

Upanishads (Reiteration)

Religious writings in Hinduism that further explore concepts found in the Vedas.

Vedas (Reiteration)

Ancient texts containing the religious hymns and teachings of Hinduism.

Brahman (Reiteration)

The supreme cosmic spirit in Hindu philosophy.

Oracle Bones (Reiteration)

Bones utilized in divination practices by Shang dynasty priests.

Dynastic Cycle (Reiteration)

The historical pattern depicting the rise and fall of dynasties in China.

Loess (Reiteration)

The nutrient-rich soil deemed crucial for agriculture along the Huang He.

‘China’s Sorrow’ (Reiteration)

Refers to the Huang He River, recognized for its devastating flooding.

Feudalism (Reiteration)

A social structure where land is exchanged for loyalty and service between classes.

Atman

The individual soul in Hindu belief, central to concepts of reincarnation and moksha.