Classical India and China
Bureaucracy: A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.
Daoism: A Chinese philosophy advocating humility and religious piety, founded by Laozi. It emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao (the path or way).
Legalism: A Chinese philosophy emphasizing strict laws and punishments as the primary means of governing. Key figure was Han Feizi.
Confucianism: A system of philosophical and ethical teachings founded by Confucius and developed by Mencius. It emphasizes morality, education, and hierarchical relationships.
Filial Piety: Respect for one's parents, elders, and ancestors; a key tenet of Confucianism.
Shi Huangdi: The first emperor of the Qin Dynasty, known for unifying China and implementing strict Legalist policies.
Han Dynasty: A major dynasty in Chinese history that followed the Qin Dynasty, known for its advancements and instating Confucian principles.
Silk Roads: A network of trade routes connecting China and the Mediterranean world, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture.
Paper Making: An invention of the Han Dynasty that allowed for the duplication of texts and increased literacy.
Compass: An invention of the Han Dynasty used for navigation.
Junk: A type of Chinese sailing vessel developed during the Han Dynasty.
Subcontinent: A large landmass that is smaller than a continent.
Monsoons: Seasonal winds that significantly impact India's climate, agriculture, and trade routes.
Hinduism: A major world religion originating in India, characterized by belief in reincarnation, a caste system, and the worship of a multitude of gods and goddesses as manifestations of a single supreme being (Brahman).
Brahman: In Hinduism, the ultimate reality or cosmic principle.
Dharma: In Hinduism, one's religious and moral duty according to their caste.
Karma: In Hinduism and Buddhism, the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.
Caste System: A rigid social stratification system in Hinduism, in which individuals are born into a specific social group with limited mobility.
Brahmins: The highest caste in the Hindu caste system, traditionally consisting of priests.
Kshatriyas: The second highest caste in the Hindu caste system, traditionally consisting of warriors and kings.
Vaishyas: The third highest caste in the Hindu caste system, traditionally consisting of merchants and landowners.
Sudras: The fourth highest caste in the Hindu caste system, traditionally consisting of laborers and peasants.
Untouchables (Dalits): The lowest group in the traditional Hindu caste system, considered outside of the four main castes.
Reincarnation: The rebirth of a soul in a new body.
Moksha: In Hinduism, liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth and the attainment of ultimate union with Brahman.
Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita: Important sacred texts in Hinduism.
Buddhism: A religion and philosophy originating in India, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha). It emphasizes personal spiritual development and the attainment of enlightenment.
Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha): The founder of Buddhism.
Nirvana: In Buddhism, the ultimate state of enlightenment, freedom from suffering, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
Middle-Path: In Buddhism, the path of moderation between the extremes of sensual indulgence and self-mortification.
Eightfold Path: In Buddhism, the path to liberation from suffering, consisting of eight aspects that must be cultivated simultaneously.
Four Noble Truths: The fundamental teachings of Buddhism, which describe the nature of suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the path to its cessation.
Mauryan Empire: An ancient Indian empire founded by Chandragupta Maurya.
Chandragupta Maurya: The founder of the Mauryan Empire.
Emperor Ashoka: A key ruler of the Mauryan Empire, known for his conversion to Buddhism and his edicts promoting peace and religious tolerance.
Battle of Kalinga: A major battle fought by Emperor Ashoka, after which he was deeply affected by the violence and converted to Buddhism.
Rock Edicts: Inscriptions carved into rocks or pillars throughout Ashoka's empire, used to disseminate his laws and Buddhist teachings.