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Study terms from chapters 1-3 of the textbook
Buddhism
A religion originating in the Indian sub-continent that emphasizes the path to enlightenment through practices such as meditation, ethical conduct, and the cultivation of wisdom and compassion.
Chan Buddhism
A school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and direct experience of enlightenment. It originated in China and focuses on the teachings of the Buddha as interpreted through the lens of Zen practices. Practitioners often engage in koan study and mindfulness to achieve a deep understanding of reality, transcending intellectual reasoning.
Confucianism
Philosophical and ethical system originating in ancient China. Focuses on moral integrity, social harmony, and the importance of education. Emphasizes relationships, particularly filial piety, and the role of rituals in maintaining societal order. Key texts include the "Analects" and teachings of Confucius. Promotes values such as respect, loyalty, and righteousness. Influential in shaping Chinese culture and governance.
Daosim
Daoism (Taoism) is a philosophical and religious tradition from China that emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao (Tao), which is the fundamental principle that is the source of all existence. Key concepts include:
Wu Wei: Non-action or effortless action.
Yin and Yang: The duality of opposites in nature.
Naturalism: Emphasizing the importance of nature and the universe.
Daoism has influenced Chinese culture, art, and politics for centuries.
Dunhuang
Dunhuang is a city in Gansu province, China, known for its historical significance along the Silk Road. It is famous for the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which contain thousands of Buddhist art and manuscripts dating back to the 4th century. Dunhuang served as a cultural and religious hub, facilitating the exchange of ideas and goods between East and West.
Equal-field system
The Equal-field system was a land distribution policy implemented in China during the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD). It aimed to allocate land equally among families to ensure fair distribution and prevent the concentration of land ownership. Each family received a specific amount of land, which could be adjusted based on family size. This system helped to promote agricultural productivity and reduce social inequality.
Foot binding
Foot binding was a Chinese custom practiced from the 10th century until the early 20th century, where young girls' feet were tightly bound to alter their shape, making them smaller. This was considered a symbol of beauty and status, but it often led to severe pain, disability, and health issues. The practice was officially banned in the early 1900s.
Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is a major waterway in China, stretching over 1,100 miles (1,700 kilometers). It connects Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south, facilitating transportation and trade. Constructed over several dynasties, it is the longest artificial river in the world.
Gunpowder
Origin: Gunpowder was invented in the 9th century during the Tang Dynasty by Chinese alchemists searching for an elixir of immortality.
Composition: It is made from saltpeter (potassium nitrate), charcoal, and sulfur.
Military: Revolutionized warfare with the development of firearms and artillery, leading to changes in military tactics.
Exploration: Facilitated exploration and colonization as European powers expanded their territories.
Cultural Exchange: Spread along trade routes, influencing technologies and warfare in the Middle East and Europe.
Industrial Revolution: Laid groundwork for advancements in chemistry and engineering, contributing to the Industrial Revolution.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province in eastern China. It is known for its picturesque West Lake, rich history, and cultural heritage, including tea production and silk.
Heain
Heian Japan (794-1185)
Period: The Heian period is the last division of classical Japanese history.
Capital: The capital was moved to Heian-kyo (modern-day Kyoto).
Culture: Known for its art, poetry, and literature, including works like "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu.
Society: Characterized by a courtly culture and the rise of the samurai class.
Decline: Ended with the rise of feudalism and the Kamakura period.
Li Bai
Li Bai, also known as Li Po, was a renowned Chinese poet of the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD). He is celebrated for his romantic and imaginative style, often focusing on themes of nature, friendship, and the joys of life. His works are considered some of the greatest in Chinese literature, and he is often referred to as one of the "Immortals" of poetry.
Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism is one of the two main branches of Buddhism, the other being Theravada. It emphasizes the path of the Bodhisattva, a being who seeks enlightenment not only for themselves but for all sentient beings. Mahayana teachings include concepts such as compassion, wisdom, and the potential for all beings to achieve Buddhahood. It encompasses various schools and practices, including Zen and Pure Land Buddhism.
Nam Viet
Nam Viet, also known as Nanyue, was an ancient kingdom in Southeast Asia, established around the 3rd century BCE. It encompassed parts of modern-day southern China and northern Vietnam. The kingdom was founded by the Chinese general Zhao Tuo after the fall of the Qin Dynasty and was known for its cultural blend of Chinese and local influences. Nam Viet played a significant role in the region's history until it was absorbed by the Han Dynasty in 111 BCE.
Nara
Nara is a city in Japan, known for its historical significance as the first permanent capital of Japan. It is famous for its ancient temples, shrines, and free-roaming deer in Nara Park.
Neo-Confucianism
Neo-Confucianism is a philosophical and ethical movement that emerged in China during the Song Dynasty, integrating Confucian thought with Buddhist and Daoist elements. It emphasizes moral self-cultivation, social harmony, and the importance of education in achieving a virtuous life.
Nirvana
Nirvana is a concept in Buddhism that represents the ultimate state of liberation and freedom from suffering, desire, and the cycle of rebirth. It is achieved through spiritual enlightenment and the cessation of all attachments and cravings.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a ceramic material known for its strength, durability, and translucence, often used in fine china and decorative items. Its effects include enhancing aesthetic appeal in art and design, as well as providing a non-porous surface that is hygienic and easy to clean in functional ware.
Qing Dynasty
The Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) was the last imperial dynasty of China, established by the Manchu people. It expanded China's territory and influence, but faced internal strife and external pressures leading to its eventual collapse.
Samurai
Samurai were elite warriors in feudal Japan, known for their code of honor, martial skills, and loyalty to their lords.
Shinto
The indigenous spiritual practice of Japan that focuses on the worship of kami (spirits or deities), reverence for nature, and rituals to connect with the sacred.
Shogun
A military ruler in Japan during the feudal period, wielding significant power and authority over the country while the emperor remained a symbolic figurehead.
Silla Dynasty
Existed from 57 BCE to 935 CE, known for its advanced culture, art, and Buddhist influences. It achieved significant territorial expansion and cultural development, particularly during the Unified Silla period (668-935 CE), when it Unified much of the Korean peninsula.
Song Dynasty
It ruled China from 960-1279, it is renowned for its advancements in technology, commerce, and culture, as well as the flourishing of arts and philosophy. It is divided into the Northern Song (960-1127) and Southern Song (1127-1279) periods, marked by significant developments such as the introduction of paper money, the compass, and notable achievements in painting and ceramics.
Sui Dynasty
The Sui dynasty, which ruled China from 581 to 618, is known for unifying the country after a long period of fragmentation and for its significant achievements in infrastructure, including the construction of the Grand Canal and the revitalization of the Great Wall.
Sui Yangdi
The second emperor of the Sui dynasty reigned from 604 to 618, and is recognized for his ambitious construction projects, including the Grand Canal, as well as for his extravagant spending and oppressive policies, which ultimately led to widespread discontent and his downfall.
The Tale of Genji
The Tale of Genji is a classic Japanese literary work, written in the early 11th century, often considered the world’s first novel, and was created using a form of Japanese that incorporated Chinese characters.
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty, which ruled China from 61 to 907, is often regarded as a golden age of Chinese civilization, marked by cultural flourishing, economic prosperity, and significant advancements in art, literature, and technology.
Tang Taizong
The second emperor of the Tang dynasty, reigned from 626 to 649 and is celebrated for his military conquests, consolidation of power, and cultural patronage, which helped established the Tang dynasty as one of the most prosperous and influential periods in Chinese history.
Uighurs
A Turkic ethnic group primarily found in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region of China, known for their distinct culture, language, and historical significance as an influential empire in Central Asia during the 8th to 9th centuries.
Wuwei
A key concept in Daosim that translates to “non-action” or “effortless action,” emphasizing the importance of aligning oneself with the natural flow of the universe rather than forcing one’s will against it.
Wu Zhou
Also known as Empress Wu Zetian, was the only female emperor in Chinese history, ruling form 690 to 705 and renowned for her political acumen, consolidation of power, and efforts to promote Buddhism while implementing significant reforms in governance.
Xuanzang
A Chinese Buddhist monk and scholar who traveled to India in the 7th century to acquire sacred texts and knowledge, and played a crucial role in the transmission of Buddhism to China.
Yang Jian
AKA Emperor Wen of Sui, was the founder of the Sui dynasty, ruling from 581 to 604, and is credited with unifying China after centuries of division and implementing important reforms that laid the groundwork for future dynasties.
Zhu Xi
A Song dynasty philosopher and a prominent figure in Neo-Confucianism, whose teachings emphasized the importance of moral self-cultivation, significantly shaping Chinese thought and education for centuries.
Abbasid Dynasty
The dynasty ruled the Islamic world from 750 to 1258, is known for its golden age of cultural, scientific, and economic prosperity, marked by advancements in art, literature, mathematics, and the establishment of Baghdad as a major center of learning and trade.
Abu Bakr
Abu Bakr was a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad and the first caliph of Rashidun Caliphate, ruling from 632 to 634 and playing a crucial role in consolidating the Islamic state and leading the community after Muhammad’s death.
al-Andalus
The Muslim-ruled territories in the Iberian Peninsula from the 8th to 15th centuries, known for its rich cultural and intellectual achievements, including advancements in science, philosophy, architecture, and the coexistence of diverse religious communities.
Allah
The Arabic word for God in Islam, representing the singular, all-powerful deity who is the creator and sustainer of the universe, and is central to Islamic belief and worship.
Bedouin
Nomadic Arab tribes traditionally inhabiting the desert regions of the Middle East and North Africa, known for their distinct culture, customs, and reliance on herding and trade for their livelihoods.
Caliph
A religious and political leader in Islam, regarded as the successor to the Propher Muhammed, responsible for leading the Muslim community and upholding Islamic law and governance.
Dar al-Islam
Means “the house of Islam”, referring to the regions where Islam is the dominant religion and Islamic law is implemented, encompassing territories where Muslims can practice their faith freely and safely.
Five Pillars of Islam
Fundamental acts of worship and practice that define a Muslim’s faith and actions
Shahada: Declaration of faith, no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger
Salah: Praying five times a day (with specifics)
Zakat: Almsgiving, helping those in need
Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan
Hajj: If capable, taking the pilgrammage to the holy city of Mecca once in a life time
Hadith
The recorded sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammed, which serve as a crucial source of Islamic law and guidance, alongside the Quran
Harun al-Rashid
The fifth caliph of the Abbasid dynasty, ruling from 786 to 809, and is celebrated for his patronage of the arts and sciences, as well as for his role in the cultural flourishing of the Islamic Golden Age, particularly during his capital’s peak in Baghdad.
Hajj
One of the five pillars of Islam, a pilgrammage to Mecca to be taken once a lifetime, if possible
Hijra
The migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers form Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking a significant turning point in Islamic history and the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
Ibn Rushd
A 12th century Andalusian philosopher and physician renowned for his commentaries on Aristotle, which significantly influenced both Islamic and Western thought, particularly during the medieval period.
Islam
A monotheistic Abrahamic religion founded on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing submission to the will of Allah, adherence to the Five Pillars, and belief in the Quran as the ultimate scripture.
Jihad
An Arabic term meaning “struggle” or “striving”, often interpreted in Islam as the spiritual or physical effort to follow God’s will, which can encompass personal, social, and military aspects but is mostly associated with the internal struggle for faith and moral betterment.
Jizya
A tax levied on non-Muslims living in an Islamic state, intended as a form of protection and exemption form military service, allowing them to practice their own religion.
Ka’ba
A sacred structure located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, considered the holiest site in Islam, towards which Muslims around the world face during prayer and where millions gather annually for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Madrasas
Islamic educational institutions that provide instruction in religious and secular subjects, playing a crucial role in the education and spiritual development of Muslim students throughout the world.
Mecca
A city in Saudi Arabia that is considered the holiest site in Islam, home to the Ka’ba and the destination for the Hajj pilgramage, which every Muslim is required to undertake at least once in their lifetime if able.
Medina
A city in Saudi Arabia known as the second holiest site in Islam, where the Prophet Muhammad migrated after the Hijra and established the first Muslim community, and it is home to the Prophet’s Mosque, which contains his tomb.
Muhammad
The founder of Islam, regarded by Muslims as the final prophet of God, who received revelations from Allah through the Angel Gabriel, which were later compiled into the Quran.
Muslim
A term for one who practices Islam
Qadis
Islamic judges who interpret and apply Shari’a law in legal matters, adjudicating disputes and ensuring justice within Muslim communities.
Quran
The holy scripture of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, encompassing guidance on faith, law, and morality.
Rubaiyat
A famous collection of Persian poetry attributed to the 11th century poet Omar Khayyam, consisting of quatrains that explore themes of love, existence, and the nature of life.
Sakk
An early form of credit or check used in the Islamic banking system, allowed merchants to withdraw funds or make payments across long distances, facilitating trade and commerce in the medieval Islamic world.
Shari’a
Islamic legal system derived from the Quran and the Hadith
Shia
One of the two main sects of Islam, which holds that leadership should have remained within the Prophet Muhammad’s family, specifically through his cousin and son-in-law Ali.
Sufi
A mystical Islamic tradition that emphasize the inward search for God and the cultivation of a personal relationship with the divine through practices such a as meditation, poetry, and music.
Sunni
The largest sect of Islam, which holds the leadership of the Muslim community should be based on consensus and the practices of the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing the importance of the community in interpreting Islamic teachings and law.
Ulama
Islamic scholars and religious authorities who are knowledgeable in Islamic law, theology, and jurisprudence, playing a crucial role in interpreting and teaching the principles of Islam within the community.
Umma
The global community of Muslims bound together by their faith in Islam.
Umayyad dynasty
The first major Islamic caliphate, ruling from 661-750 CE and known for its vast territorial expansion, administrative innovations, and establishment of Arabic as the administrative language, while also being marked by cultural and architectural achievements.
Angkor
The capital of the Khmer Empire form the 9th to the 15th centuries in present-day Cambodia, renowned for its stunning temples for both Buddhism and Hinduism.
Axum
An ancient civilization and trading empire located in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea, known for its monumental obelisks, early adoption of Christianity, and as a key player in trade networks connecting Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Indian Ocean.
Bhakti Movement
A spiritual movement that emerged in medieval India, emphasizing personal devotion to a single deity, (Allah, Brahma, Shiva the same).
Caste System
The caste system was a strict, passed-down class restriction on societal roles and jobs. Several different castes and sub-castes were hard to deter from. The four main castes or varnas were Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
Chola Kingdom
A powerful South Indian dynasty that flourished from the 9th to 13th centuries, known for its naval strength, extensive trade networks, and remarkable contributions to art and architecture.
Dhows
Traditional sailing vessels used in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, characterized by their distinctive lateen sails and wooden construction, historically utilized for trade, fishing, and transportation of goods between coastal regions.
Emporia
Ancient trading hubs or marketplaces that facilitated commerce between different cultures and regions, serving as vital centers for the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practice along trade routes such as the Silk Road and maritime pathways.
Funan
An ancient Southeast Asian kingdom located in present-day Cambodia and southern Vietnam, known for its early development of trade, agriculture, and urbanizations, and as a cultural crossroads that significantly influenced the region from the 1st to 6th century.
Guru Kabir
A 15th century poet and spiritual leader known for his devotional hymns that emphasized a personal connection to God, the rejection of caste distinctions, and the importance of love and humility in spiritual practice.
Harsha
A prominent Indian emperor who ruled North India form 606-647, recognized for his promotion of Buddhism and Hinduism, and efforts to unify the region after the decline of the Gupta Empire.
Junks
Traditional Chinese sailing ships characterized by their flat bottoms, high sterns, and multiple sails, historically used for trade and fishing, and known for durability and ability to navigate both inland and open seas.
Mahmud of Ghazni
An 11th century ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire, renowned for his military conquests in the India subcontinent, where he conducted numerous raids that targeted temples and wealthy cities, significantly influencing the region’s history and culture.
Majapahit
A powerful Hindu-Buddhist empire that flourished in Southeast Asia from the 13-16th centuries, know of its vast territory, maritime trade, cultural achievements, and the spread of Hinduism and Buddhism throughout the region.
Melaka
A historic city in Malaysia that was a vital trading port in Southeast Asia from the 15-17th centuries, known for its strategic location along the Strait of Malacca.
Monsoons
Seasonal wind patterns that bring significant changes in water, with wet and dry seasons
Ramanuja
An 11th century philosopher recognized for his teachings on the relationship between the individual sounds and Brahman, and played a crucial role in the development of the Bhakti movement in Hinduism.
Shankara
An 8th century Indian philosopher who emphasized the non-dual nature of reality and the idea that the individual soul is identical to the ultimate reality (Brahman), and is renowned for his extensive commentaries on the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras.
Shiva
One of the principal deities in Hinduism, named as the destroyer and transformer
Singosari
A 13th century kingdom located in Indonesia, known for its significant role in regional trade, the establishment of Hindu-Buddhist culture, and the construction of monumental temples.
Srivijaya
A powerful maritime and trade empire from 7th to the 13th centuries in Southeast Asia, know for its strategic control of trade routes, cultural exchanges, and the promotion of Buddhism throughout the region.
Sufis
Practitioners of Sufisim, a mystical branch of Islam that emphasizes the inward search for God.
Sultanate of Delhi
A Muslim kingdom that ruled large parts of the India subcontinent form the 13th -16th centuries, known for its political and military influence, the establishment of Islamic governance in India, and the foundation of several dynasties.
Vijayanagar Kingdom
A prominent South Indian empire that thrived from the 14th to 17th centuries, known for its rich cultural heritage, architectural achievements, and significant contributions to art, literature, and trade, particularly centered around around its capital, Hampi.
Vishnu
One of the principal deities in Hinduism, revered as the preserver and protector of the universe, known for his ten avatars
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