Classical India, Feudal Japan and Polynesia
Classical India
Mauryan Empire (321-232 BCE)
Significant ancient Indian state founded by Chandragupta Maurya.
Located around Ganges River
Empire was divided into provinces, each with its own governor
Asoka, one of its greatest emperors, promoted Buddhism and established a vast administrative structure.
Known for the spread of the Edicts of Asoka which promoted moral governance.
Asoka
Asoka converted to Buddhism after the Kalinga War.
Instrumental in establishing Buddhism as a major world religion through missions and support.
Recognized for promoting ahimsa (non-violence) and welfare policies, such as building hospitals, vet centers and roads.
Decline
The Mauryan Empire declined after Asoka's death (232 BCE) due to weak leadership and regional fragmentation.
Internal conflict and external invasions contributed to the empire's disintegration.
Gupta Empire (320-535 BCE)
Established following the decline of the Mauryan Empire, marking the Golden Age of India.
Achievements in science, mathematics, literature, and art.
Promoted Hinduism and culture flourished under Gupta rule.
Trade grew between India, China, Africa, and Middle East
Nomadic groups from Central Aisa take over; breaks empire apart
Contributions of the Gupta Empire
Advancements in mathematics, such as the concept of zero and the discovery of Pi.
Flourishing of literature, including significant works like 'Shakuntala' by Kalidasa.
Innovations in medicine, such as surgical techniques and medical textbooks.
Notable achievements in astronomy, resulting in a better understanding of planetary motion.
Feudal Japan
Geography of Japan
An archipelago consisting of four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.
Topography is mountainous, leading to a lack of farmland and a reliance on fishing and trade.
Shintoism
Indigenous belief system of Japan centered around kami (spirits).
Focuses on rituals and practices to honor deities and spirits found in nature.
Important cultural aspect shaping community and identity.
Kami
Spirits associated with natural elements, ancestors, and sacred places.
Believed to inhabit objects so offerings and rituals seek to appease them.
Torii
Traditional Japanese gate that signifies entrance to a sacred space.
Symbolizes the transition from the mundane to the sacred.
Social Hierarchy
Structure includes Emperor, Shogun, Daimyo, Samurai, and Peasants.
Emperor viewed as a divine figure but held little political power.
Shogun was the military ruler with actual political authority.
Emperor
Symbolic head of state, believed to be descended from the sun goddess Amaterasu.
Held spiritual significance rather than political.
Shogun
The highest military commander; wielded significant power over Japan’s governance.
Created a centralized government that maintained order and stability.
Daimyo
Powerful feudal lords who controlled vast tracts of land and had their own armies of samurai.
Served the shogun and pledged loyalty in exchange for protection and lands.
Bushido
The samurai code of conduct emphasizing honor, loyalty, and martial arts.
Advocated virtues such as bravery and self-discipline.
Seppuku
Ritual suicide practiced by samurai to restore honor after failure or disgrace.
Involves a specific ceremonial process; seen as a courageous act.
Mongols
Nomadic tribes from the Mongolian steppe who built a vast empire under Genghis Khan.
Renowned for their military prowess, superior horsemanship, and innovative tactics.
Established trade routes that facilitated cultural and economic exchanges across Eurasia.
Polynesia
Geography
Comprised numerous islands scattered across the central and southern Pacific Ocean.
Diverse environments ranging from volcanic islands to coral atolls, influencing cultural development.
Lupita People
Ancestors of the Polynesians. The Lapita people originated in the Philippines and migrated to New Guinea. From New Guinea they started to explore and colonize the islands in Polynesia.
Wayfaring
The art of navigation across open oceans using natural cues such as the stars, ocean swells, and flight patterns of birds.
Skills required for successful migration and trade throughout the Pacific islands.
Stick Chart
A traditional navigational tool used to represent ocean swells and currents.
Constructed from palm fronds and indicates routes and island locations.
Ships
Canoes and double-hulled ships built for stability and speed in open water.
Used for fishing, trade, and migration between islands.
Tupaia
A Tahitian navigator who played a crucial role in the mapping of Pacific islands during Captain Cook's voyages.
Knowledgeable in navigation techniques and local geography.
Beliefs
Complex belief systems incorporating gods, spirits, and ancestral reverence.
Influence of social and environmental factors on spiritual practices.
Taboo
Social or religious prohibitions influencing daily life.
Ideas around purity and behavior often linked to spirituality and ancestral respect.
Mana
A spiritual force that resides in people, objects, and the environment.
Believed to influence power, authority, and success; often associated with chiefs and important leaders.
Mythology
Rich tradition of myths explaining natural phenomena and the origins of humanity.
Mythologies often include elaborate stories of gods and heroes, showcasing cultural values.
Culture
Distinct cultural identity expressed through art, dance, and oral traditions.
Influence of environment and communal living on cultural practices.
Haka
A traditional Māori war dance characterized by rhythm, chanting, and physical movements.
Historically performed to intimidate opponents and express unity and pride during ceremonies.
Moai
Large stone statues found on Easter Island (Rapa Nui) representing ancestral figures.
Aesthetic and spiritual significance representing the cultural heritage and beliefs of the Rapa Nui people.