First Civilizations Part Two: SSWH2 Indian and Chinese Societies

Development of Indian Civilization

Geography of India Geography Separated from the rest of Asia by mountain ranges, including the Himalayas The Ganges River flows to the southeast through a fertile valley. The mountains to the north made it difficult for immigrants and invaders to enter. The rivers of India helped with transportation through the country.

Climate of India Monsoons Temperatures in the summer can reach 120⁰F From November-March, monsoons blow from the north and northeast. Any moisture they carry falls onto the Himalayas so India receives little rain. From mid-June-October, monsoons blow from the southwest, carrying warm, moist air from the Indian Ocean. Most of India’s rainfall comes during this time. Temperatures in the summer can reach 120⁰F

Rise of the Mauryan Empire Chandragupta Maurya established the Mauryan Empire. Built a grand palace on the Ganges River Raised a large army of 600,000 with chariots and elephants and was able to conquer all of northwestern India up to the Hindu Kush.

Maurya was a capable leader who established a strict group of officials to carry out his commands. Mines dug, centers for spinning and weaving built, established standards for physicians Made many enemies and had to sleep in a different room every night for fear of attempts on his life.

Ashoka Ashoka was the grandson of Chandragupta and came to be an even greater ruler. Fought bloody wars to increase size of kingdom Enlarged the empire until it included all except southern tip of the subcontinent Became sick of the violence and converted to Buddhism. He ordered an end to all killing.

Under Buddhism, Ashoka reversed many policies put into place by his father and grandfather. Later years of rule were remembered as a time of cultural and political advance in India. After his death the strength of Mauryan Empire declined and invaders from the north and east attacked. The last Mauryan emperor was killed in 184 BCE.

The Gupta Rulers The early years of Gupta rule, which began in the AD 300s, have been called a golden age. Chandra Gupta II reigned and society prospered. Progress was made in the arts. During Gupta rule, Hinduism became the dominant religion of India.

Major Religions Hinduism Buddhism Brahma- Hindu god Teaches that the world we see is an illusion, called maya. Salvation can only occur if maya is rejected, but it takes many lifetimes to do this. Reincarnation- rebirth of souls Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha- enlightened one) Reincarnation Ethics over ceremonies Against caste system- any person can reach nirvana Four Noble Truths Eightfold Path

Hinduism Important principles are dharma and karma. Dharma is doing one’s moral duty so soul can advance to the next life Karma is the good or bad force created by a person’s actions. People who fulfill their dharma gain good karma and are born into a higher social group in their next life. What happens if they don’t fulfill their dharma? Souls who grow spiritually will reach nirvana- a perfect peace Cycle of reincarnation is complete and soul unites with Brahman

Buddhism Denies importance of caste system Salvation comes from knowing the Four Noble Truths and following the Eightfold Path. Over time, Buddhism declined in India but reached great strength in other parts of Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Hinduism spread to become India’s major religion.

Development of Chinese Civilization

The Zhou Dynasty The longest lasting of China’s three major dynasties Granted territories to members of the royal family and their allies. Believed in the “Mandate of Heaven” The god of Heaven determined who should rule China When rebels overthrew a dynasty, they claimed the old dynasty had lost the Mandate of Heaven Leaders began to fight among themselves and the Zhou kings were losing control. An attack by outsiders destroyed the Zhou capital and they lost a great deal of power.

The Qin Dynasty The ruler Cheng gave himself the title Shih Huang Ti which means “first emperor.” Lasted only 15 years but produced many changes in Chinese life. Established an autocracy Emperor holds total power Saw danger in scholars investigating problems freely. This was suppressed and those that criticized the government were executed.

Great Wall of China The Qin guarded against invasion by building defensive walls along borders. As the walls of all dynasties connected, they formed the Great Wall of China. Was 1,500 mi long during Qin times.

Confucianism This philosophy had more influence on Chinese life than any other. Taught about the importance of family, respect for one’s elders, and reverence for ancestors. Confucius wanted to end the political disorder of his time. He aimed to encourage strong, positive behavior on the part of China’s leaders. 1. Every person should willingly accept his role in society and perform the duties of that role. 2. The government and its leaders should be virtuous. Instead of seeking wealth or power, they should be honest and honorable toward those they lead.

Confucianism Examination System Mandate of Heaven Status of Peasants Created to determine who would make a good government official Mandate of Heaven The right to rule is passed down from Heaven and is based on the virtue of the ruler Status of Peasants Come in 2nd to the leadership because they produce an important commodity, food. Status of Merchants In the 4th and last position in hierarchy because they gained wealth without producing goods. Patriarchal Family The father was the head of the household and women were expected to submit to the male head of household. Diffusion Confucianism spread throughout SE Asia, Japan, and Korea