Untitled Flashcard Set

Bureaucracy

A system of government where officials run departments and enforce laws.

Pastoralists

Nomadic herders who moved with animals; often lived in steppes and connected regions through trade and conflict.

Agrarian

Relating to farming or rural, agriculture-based life.

Circa (c.)

Latin for 'around'; used to approximate dates.

Neolithic Revolution

Transition from hunting/gathering to agriculture (c. 10,000 BCE).

Demographic effects of the Neolithic Revolution

Larger populations, permanent settlements, and urban growth.

Social effects of the Neolithic Revolution

More social hierarchy, gender inequality, and specialized jobs.

Environmental effects of the Neolithic Revolution

Deforestation, irrigation systems, soil depletion.

Basic principles of Confucianism

Filial piety (respect for parents), order through hierarchy, education, and moral leadership.

Confucianism origin

Originated in China during the Zhou dynasty; shaped family structure, guided bureaucracy, and inspired the civil service exam system.

Confucius

Chinese philosopher (551–479 BCE); taught that harmony comes from respect, proper roles, and moral rulers; believed education builds virtue.

Laozi

Founded Daoism; taught harmony with nature, simplicity, and following the Dao ('the Way') instead of rigid laws.

Han Feizi

Philosopher of the Qin era; argued humans are selfish and need strict laws and punishments; emphasized strong state control.

Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)

Taught the Four Noble Truths (life = suffering, caused by desire, end desire through Eightfold Path) to reach nirvana.

Major precepts of Hinduism

Dharma (duty), karma (actions affect rebirth), samsara (reincarnation), moksha (liberation), caste system.

Major precepts of Buddhism

Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, nirvana (end of suffering), rejection of caste system.

Differences between Hinduism and Buddhism

Hinduism supports caste and rituals; Buddhism rejects caste and focuses on personal enlightenment.

Important leaders of the Maurya Dynasty

Chandragupta (unified India), Ashoka (spread Buddhism).

Important leaders of the Gupta Dynasty

Chandra Gupta I & II (golden age, Hindu revival).

Basic beliefs of Hinduism

Polytheistic faith, caste hierarchy, dharma, karma, reincarnation, goal of moksha.

Hinduism origin

Originated from the Indus Valley Civilization, later shaped in India.

Hinduism's impact on society and government

Reinforced caste roles, guided rulers through dharma, and shaped Indian law codes.