AP WHAP Ch 14&15 vocab

Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is the longest canal or artificial river in the world, stretching over 1,700 kilometers (1,100 miles) in China. Built during the Sui dynasty (581–618), it was designed to facilitate transport between the northern and southern regions, enhancing trade and urbanization. It remains crucial for agriculture, commerce, and communication, often referred to as the lifeblood of the Chinese economy.

Equal-Field System

The Equal-Field System was an ancient Chinese land distribution policy that aimed to allocate land based on family size and the ability to cultivate it. Instituted during the Tang dynasty (618-907) as a means to prevent the concentration of land in the hands of a few wealthy families, this policy also aimed to increase agricultural productivity and support a growing population.

Fast-Ripening Rice

Fast-ripening rice refers to certain rice varieties that mature quicker than traditional types, significantly impacting agricultural practices and food security. Developed through selective breeding and later enhanced by agricultural innovations, these strains allowed farmers in East Asia, particularly in regions like Vietnam and southern China, to increase yields and cultivate multiple harvests annually, supporting a burgeoning population.

Foot Binding

Foot binding was a cultural practice prevalent in China, primarily among the elite, where young girls' feet were tightly wrapped to prevent normal growth, resulting in small, deformed feet. Although seen as a status symbol during the Song dynasty (960-1279) and valued for its association with beauty and femininity, the practice was also a symbol of patriarchal oppression and social control, ultimately falling out of favor in the early 20th century.

Flying Cash

Flying cash was an early form of paper currency developed during the Tang dynasty in China, credited with being one of the first systems of credit and promissory notes. This innovation simplified trade and commerce, enabling merchants to conduct transactions over long distances without the need to carry heavy metal coins, thus aiding economic expansion.

Chan (and Zen) Buddhism

Chan Buddhism, which later spread to Japan as Zen Buddhism, emphasizes meditation and direct experience rather than reliance on scripture or doctrinal knowledge. Originating in China during the Tang dynasty, this school of thought underscores the importance of self-discovery and achieving enlightenment through disciplined practice, influencing both spiritual and artistic developments across East Asia.

Neo-Confucianism

Neo-Confucianism emerged during the Song dynasty as a philosophical movement that sought to integrate Confucian ethics with Buddhist and Daoist elements. It emphasized moral self-cultivation, social harmony, and the importance of education, shaping social structures and government policies throughout East Asian cultures.

The Tale of Genji

Written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century, The Tale of Genji is considered the world’s first novel. This classic work of Japanese literature chronicles the life and loves of Hikaru Genji, reflecting the cultural and courtly life of the Heian period. Its themes of romance, nature, and the fleeting nature of life deeply influenced Japanese literature and art.

Samurai

The samurai were a warrior class in feudal Japan, characterized by their strict adherence to the code of Bushido, which valued honor, loyalty, and martial skill. Serving as military retainers to the noble classes, samurai played a crucial role in Japanese history, contributing to the political and social structure until the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century.

Shinto

Shinto is the indigenous spirituality of Japan, centering around the worship of kami, which are spirits associated with natural elements and ancestors. Rooted in practices and beliefs that have evolved over centuries, Shinto emphasizes rituals and ceremonies that connect individuals with their cultural heritage and nature.

Bushido

Bushido, meaning "the way of the warrior," is the ethical code that governed the conduct of samurai. This philosophy emphasized loyalty, bravery, and honor, shaping the social values of Japan and influencing its historical development and cultural identity.

Serf

A serf was an agricultural laborer bound under the feudal system to work on a lord's estate. While not slaves, serfs had limited rights and were subject to the will of their lords, representing a critical component of the socio-economic structures in medieval East Asia, particularly in relation to rice cultivation.

Delhi Sultanate

The Delhi Sultanate was a series of Islamic dynasties that ruled over large parts of India from the 13th to the 16th centuries. Established after the conquest of northern India, it played a significant role in the dissemination of Islam in the region and laid the groundwork for the ensuing Mughal Empire, influencing politics, culture, and commerce.

Monsoons

Monsoons are seasonal wind patterns that bring heavy rainfall to parts of South Asia, particularly India and Southeast Asia. These weather patterns are crucial for agriculture, providing the necessary water for crops during the growing season and influencing trade routes and settlement patterns.

Dhows and Junks

Dhows and junks are traditional sailing vessels used in maritime trade. Dhows are typically associated with the Arabian Peninsula and the East African coast, while junks are Chinese boats featuring a unique design that made them highly seaworthy. Both played key roles in the maritime trade networks across the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.

Axum (or Aksum)

Axum was an ancient civilization located in modern-day Ethiopia and Eritrea, known for its monumental obelisks, advanced architecture, and as an early adopter of Christianity in the 4th century CE. Its strategic location facilitated trade between Africa and the Mediterranean, and it became a powerful empire until its decline in the early medieval period.

Expansion of the Caste System

The expansion of the caste system in India reflects the stratified social hierarchy that developed over centuries. Formalized during the Vedic period, it became increasingly rigid, influencing social interactions, occupational roles, and religious practices, and shaping the cultural landscape of South Asia.

Funan

Funan was an ancient kingdom located in what is now Cambodia and Vietnam, recognized as a significant trading hub between China and India from the 1st to the 6th centuries CE. Its wealth and cultural exchanges played a crucial role in the development of Southeast Asian civilizations, influencing trade, culture, and religious practices.

Angkor

Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire in present-day Cambodia, famous for its stunning temples, including Angkor Wat. This vast city flourished from the 9th to the 15th centuries, exemplifying advanced engineering and urban planning, setting the stage for a rich cultural heritage that continues to attract global interest.

Melaka (or Malacca)

Melaka, a strategic port city in present-day Malaysia, was a key player in maritime trade during the 15th and 16th centuries. Its location along the Strait of Malacca made it a vital hub for commerce between the East and West, facilitating cultural and religious exchanges that shaped the region's history.

Conclusion

These terms reflect the complex interplay of culture, economics, and social structures that have defined East Asian and Southeast Asian histories. Understanding these concepts offers valuable insights into the region’s past and the profound legacies that continue to influence contemporary society.