Classical Asia

India and China India and China Similarities to ancient Near East? Similarities to ancient Near East? Differences? Differences?

India Origins of Indian Civilization –Indus Valley civilization (ca BC) –ARYAN migrations (ca BC) Aggressive nomads Extended rule across northern India Settled, subjugated “inferior” Indians

India The Caste System –Caste: social unit into which individuals were born  dictated most aspects of life –Classes BRAHMINS Warriors (Kshatrijas) Merchants and farmers (Vaisyas) Common laborers (Sudras) Untouchables –Results: stratified, immobile society

India Hinduism –Polytheistic –Sacred texts VEDAS: explained relationship between gods and humans, prayers and incantations UPANISHADS: philosophical speculations about human dilemma –Chief deities: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva

India Ganesh Kali

India Sanskrit

India

Fundamental Hindu Principles –Our illusory world vs. real and permanent unseen world –Wheel of Life –KARMA –End goal: MOKSHA

Buddhism –Began as revolt within Hinduism –SIDDHARTHA GAUTAMA ( BC) Troubled by human misery, sought answers Meditation  enlightenment  Buddha Disciples

Buddhism Fundamental Principles of Buddhism –Anyone can attain spiritual bliss –Four Noble Truths Everything is pain Origins of pain: desire Extinction of desire  NIRVANA Follow way of Buddha  end of pain –Spiritual goals Self-control Conquer self, desire  release from Wheel of Life

Buddhism

The Two Branches of Buddhism –Theravada “Pure” form of Buddhism Monastic life! –Mahayana Doctrines of Buddha: “initial step” Buddha, BODHISATTVAS can provide spiritual assistance Monastic life not necessary

India The Mauryan Dynasty ( BC) –India had been “regional” –Foreign invasion, creation of Bactria  rise of Chandragupta (r BC) –The Mauryans Unified much of India Military! Ruled through bureaucracy

India Ashoka (r BC) –Fierce conqueror! –Ashoka and Buddhism Converted  devout, pacifistic Instituted rule by dharma Promoted spread in India, beyond –Improved trade, sponsored system of roads –Reign  prosperity, peace

India Ashokan pillar ( BC)Lion capital of pillar at Sarnath ( BC)

India Great Stupa, Sanchi (1 st cent. BC – 1 st cent. AD)

India

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China China during Antiquity –The oldest continuous civilization –Strong, expansionist state –Ruled by dynasties: Zhou (ca BC) Qin ( BC) Han ( BC)

China The Zhou (ca BC) –Government Kings claimed mandate from Heaven to rule  “sons of Heaven” Extension of territory  dependence on landlord- vassals Regional rulers formed independent armies  kings reduced to figureheads ( BC) –Emergence of standardized Chinese

China Qin Shihuang (r BC) –“First Emperor” –Deposed last Zhou  sole ruler –Centralized power Demanded lords appear at his court, assumed their estates Resistance crushed by military China reorganized into provinces –Great Wall initiated

China

The Han (202 BC AD) –Considerable expansion! –Peace throughout Asia –Huge government bureaucracy Specialized ministers who passed examinations Provided effective rule for vast territory

China Chinese Philosophies and Religion –Secular, not prone to speculation –Ancestor worship –Buddhism

China Foguang Temple, Yingxian (1056)

China Confucianism –System of ethics  order, social responsibility –CONFUCIUS (ca BC) Personal virtue, reverence for tradition  good political life Obey, respect superiors Advice for leaders: behave modestly, love wisdom Confucius

China Laozi Daoism –Dao: “the way of nature” –Stressed harmony, mystery of nature –LAOZI (5 th cent. BC) Nature contains inherent principles Submission to Dao  happiness Withdrawal from world, contemplation of Dao  true understanding –Political activity, learning: irrelevant for a good life

China

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Classical Asia India and China India and China Similarities to ancient Near East? Similarities to ancient Near East? Differences? Differences?