China and India Chapter 3

Geography Monsoons Indus and Ganges Rivers

Cities Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro – original Indian cities formed when Mesopotamia was at its height – mysteriously disappeared after about 1, 000 years

Caste System Brahmins: priests Kshatriya: warriors nobles Vaisya: traders, artisans Sudra: laboring class, mixed blood people Untouchables: lowest level

Religion of India Hinduism (Dominant Religion) – Gods: Brahma=spirit in every living creature Shiva=Destroyer Vishnu=preserver – Goals Dharma: the religious and moral duties of an individual Karma: acts of one life affect the next life Reincarnation: rebirth of the soul until it is pure Human soul must progress through caste system until it is one with Brahma

Religion of India Buddhism – started in India, but is primarily practiced in China and Southeast Asia – Founded by Siddartha Gautama – 4 Noble Truths All life is full of pain, suffering and sorrow The cause of suffering is the desire for things that are really illusions The only cure for suffering is to overcome desire The only way to overcome desire is to follow Buddha's eight- fold path – Nirvana is the escape from the cycle of rebirth

Ancient China

Government China was ruled by a series of powerful dynasties – Shang Dynasty: 1st Dynasty, developed written language, demanded tribute – Zhou Dynasty: mandate of heaven, feudalism, bureaucrats – Chin Dynasty: ruthless warrior emperors, Great Wall of China built – Han Dynasty: Silk Road allowed trade between Middle East and China

Religion Buddhism: spread from India to China, Southeast Asia, Korea and Japan Confucism: Confucius, China's greatest philosopher taught morality – 5 Relationships: ruler/subjects, father/son, husband/wife, older brother/younger brother, community members -Confucian Virtues: intengrity, loyalty, generosity, politeness Legalism: people are naturally evil so harsh laws and strong gov't are necessary Daoism: "the unspoken way," stresses harmony with nature

Social Structure Family more important than individual or government Men superior to women Filial Piety: respect for parents and ancestors