1. Classical Asia

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

3. India Origins of Indian Civilization –Indus Valley civilization (ca. 2500-1700 BC) –ARYAN migrations (ca. 1500 BC) Aggressive nomads Extended rule across northern India Settled, subjugated “inferior” Indians

4. 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

5. 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

6. India Ganesh Kali

7. India Sanskrit

8. India

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

10. Buddhism –Began as revolt within Hinduism –SIDDHARTHA GAUTAMA (563-483 BC) Troubled by human misery, sought answers Meditation  enlightenment  Buddha Disciples

11. 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

12. Buddhism

13. 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

14. India The Mauryan Dynasty (322-185 BC) –India had been “regional” –Foreign invasion, creation of Bactria  rise of Chandragupta (r. 322-298 BC) –The Mauryans Unified much of India Military! Ruled through bureaucracy

15. India Ashoka (r. 269-232 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

16. India Ashokan pillar (269-232 BC)Lion capital of pillar at Sarnath (269-232 BC)

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

18. India

20. Questions?

21. China China during Antiquity –The oldest continuous civilization –Strong, expansionist state –Ruled by dynasties: Zhou (ca. 1100-221 BC) Qin (221-206 BC) Han (220-202 BC)

22. China The Zhou (ca. 1100-221 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 (402-201 BC) –Emergence of standardized Chinese

23. China Qin Shihuang (r. 221-210 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

24. China

25. The Han (202 BC - 220 AD) –Considerable expansion! –Peace throughout Asia –Huge government bureaucracy Specialized ministers who passed examinations Provided effective rule for vast territory

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

27. China Foguang Temple, Yingxian (1056)

28. China Confucianism –System of ethics  order, social responsibility –CONFUCIUS (ca. 551-478 BC) Personal virtue, reverence for tradition  good political life Obey, respect superiors Advice for leaders: behave modestly, love wisdom Confucius

29. 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

30. China

32. Questions?

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