Asia

South Asia

Political: Rarely unified; Mauryan Empire largest pre-1200.

Innovations: Zero, decimals, astronomy.

Economy: Agriculture, cotton textiles, Indian Ocean trade.

Culture: Hinduism dominant, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam.

Environment: Indus/Ganges rivers, monsoons.

Social: Caste system (rigid, religiously tied).

Southeast Asia & Pacific

Political: Small kingdoms, clan-based.

Innovations: Maritime tech, irrigation, terrace farming.

Economy: Agriculture, spices trade; Pacific isolated.

Culture: Hinduism/Buddhism blend; ancestor worship in Pacific.

Environment: Monsoons enabled trade.

Social: Hierarchies; women more autonomy than India/China.

East Asia

Political: Dynasties, bureaucracy, exams; Japan samurai; Korea monarchy.

Innovations: Printing, gunpowder, compass.

Economy: Silk, porcelain, champa rice.

Culture: Confucianism gov’t; Buddhism/Daoism.

Environment: Canals, terraces, deforestation.

Social: Confucian hierarchy; patriarchal.