Ancient India & China

The Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE) Founded by in 322 BCE by Chandragupta Maurya Filling the void left by Alexander the Great Largest empire ever on the subcontinent Extensive trade routes to the Middle East

The Emperor Asoka Grandson of Chandragupta Maurya Originally a great military leader Conversion to Buddhism Asoka's roads and “rest stops” BEST KNOWN FOR religious tolerance

The Gupta Empire, The “Golden Age” (320-550 CE) Founded by Chandra Gupta Peace and prosperity Golden Age Last Hindu rule until 1947

No not that kind of Golden Age…. This kind!

Civilization in Southeast China

Early Chinese Dynasty near the frontier Yellow River Shang Dynasty - traditional date: 1500 B.C. invaders FIRST DYNASTY What is a dynasty? Culture eventually absorbed by Zhou Dynasty

Determine what these indicate about a dynasty? Brings peace Floods, Earthquakes, etc. Taxes people too much Stops protecting people (re)builds infrastructure Peasant revolt Lets Infrastructure decay Treats people unfairly Bandits raid countryside Protects people Invaders attack empire Gives land to peasants

China’s Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE) Zhou Dynasty-1027 to 256 BC The Mandate of Heaven The Dynastic Cycle Regional Longest Chinese dynasty Non centralized power-control through feudalism Decline of power into the Warring States Period

The Warring States Period Confucianism- relationships The Analects (collection of the teachings of Confucius) The patriarchal family Daoism – Natural “way” Laozi – Chinese thinker in 6th century focused on nature The “way”-universal force that governs everything Legalism- laws with punishments and rewards Li Si and Hanfeizi (founders)

China’s Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE) The Qin unite China and end the Warring States Period Legalism becomes the dynasty’s law The construction of the “Great Wall” to discourage attacks by northern invaders

Han Dynasty Confucianism-provided a basis for behavior in society The Examination System for civil service jobs based upon knowledge of Confucianism Anyone can take reality few peasants can afford to educate sons Read Confucianism, the Road to Success p. 203

Dynasty Philosophical Beliefs Shang N/A Zhou Qin Legalism Han Confucianism (Legalism) Daoism

Development of Hinduism Mixture of Aryan and Dravidian influence Polytheistic Karma-a person’s good and bad deeds Reincarnation to ultimate nirvana The Vedas (sacred literature) and the Upanishads (written interpretations and explanations of the Vedic hymns The most important Gods Brahma- creator Shiva- destroyer Vishnu- protector

Development of Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama Wealthy prince Journey (enlightenment) The Four Noble Truths Eliminate desire and suffering Follow the Eightfold Path to Enlightenment Nirvana An attempt to improve Hinduism Because of strong presence of Hinduism in South Asia, Buddhism was not a major force there, but it became a major force in China.

Trade and Barriers to Trade India – protected to the north by the Himalayas Silk Roads – utilized throughout central asia. For example, it connected the HAN Dynasty to Rome Indian Ocean Trade Eventually utilized once Arab merchants improve their ships to be ocean going.