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