The “Classical Era” in the East

The Empires of India

The Aryan Invasion• Indus River Valley Civilization suddenly collapsed. • The people living in region were then conquered

by the Aryans. • Aryans came from Central Asia arriving in India

about 1,500 B.C. • Aryans were nomadic people. • By 900 B.C. Aryans had formed city-states ruled by

its own ruler. • They developed their own form of writing, known

as Sanskrit.

HinduismThe Aryans also brought a new religion to India, known as Hinduism.

Gods. Hindus believe that there are many gods and goddesses. Each of these gods, however, is a manifestation (form) of one Supreme Being.

Gods. Hindus believe that there are many gods and goddesses. Each of these gods, however, is a manifestation (form) of one Supreme Being.

Reincarnation. Hindus believe that at death, a person’s soul is reborn as another living thing. This creates an endless cycle of rebirth for each soul.

Reincarnation. Hindus believe that at death, a person’s soul is reborn as another living thing. This creates an endless cycle of rebirth for each soul.

Karma. Karma refers to a person’s behavior in life, which Hindus believe determines that person’s form in the next life. People who live a good life will be reborn in a higher caste. Those who do not are reborn in a lower caste.

Karma. Karma refers to a person’s behavior in life, which Hindus believe determines that person’s form in the next life. People who live a good life will be reborn in a higher caste. Those who do not are reborn in a lower caste.

Sacred objects. Hindus believe the Ganges River is sacred and has the power to wash away sin and evil. The cow is also considered sacred, and religious Hindus do not eat beef.

Sacred objects. Hindus believe the Ganges River is sacred and has the power to wash away sin and evil. The cow is also considered sacred, and religious Hindus do not eat beef.

MAJOR BELIEFS OF HINDUISMMAJOR BELIEFS OF HINDUISM

The Caste SystemA social system divided by occupation and money

Buddhism

MAJOR BELIEFS OF BUDDHISMMAJOR BELIEFS OF BUDDHISM

Basic Philosophy. Buddhism is based on a philosophy of self-denial and mediation. Buddhist also believe in reincarnation.

Basic Philosophy. Buddhism is based on a philosophy of self-denial and mediation. Buddhist also believe in reincarnation.

God and Holy Books. Buddhist do not believe in a single Supreme Being (God). They also do not have a primary holy book. Their basic beliefs are found in books called Sutras.

God and Holy Books. Buddhist do not believe in a single Supreme Being (God). They also do not have a primary holy book. Their basic beliefs are found in books called Sutras.

Four Noble Truths. These truths explain life’s meaning. They explain that pain and suffering is caused by human desires, such as the desire for material wealth and selfish pleasures. Only by giving up wrongful desires can a person find peace and harmony.

Four Noble Truths. These truths explain life’s meaning. They explain that pain and suffering is caused by human desires, such as the desire for material wealth and selfish pleasures. Only by giving up wrongful desires can a person find peace and harmony.

Eightfold Path. To give up selfish human desires, Buddhist believe one should follow this path: have the right goals, have the right perspectives, be aware, act in a worthy manner, speak truthfully, live righteously, respect all living things, and meditate.

Eightfold Path. To give up selfish human desires, Buddhist believe one should follow this path: have the right goals, have the right perspectives, be aware, act in a worthy manner, speak truthfully, live righteously, respect all living things, and meditate.

Nirvana. By following the Eightfold Path, an individual can escape the soul’s endless reincarnations and achieve nirvana – state of eternal peace and bliss.

Nirvana. By following the Eightfold Path, an individual can escape the soul’s endless reincarnations and achieve nirvana – state of eternal peace and bliss.

The Spread of Buddhism

The Mauryan Empire (about 320 B.C. – 232 B.C.)

• King Chandragupta challenged the Greeks and established the powerful Mauryan Empire in India. – Created a bureaucracy (system that runs a govt

and ran a centralized system-all cities report to one location and all laws come from one location

• Asoka (269 B.C. – 231 B.C.) was the next great ruler of India. – converted to Buddhism, peace and prosperity:

roads, hospitals, laws, shrines – empire declined at death

The Gupta Empire (320 A.D. – 535 A.D.)

• 500 years of invasions after Mauryan• Gupta Empire – AD 320-550

– “Golden Age” – devised Arabic number system, decimal system, concept of zero, vaccines against smallpox, architecture (stupas)

– Declined due to weak rulers, civil war, and foreign invaders

The Dynasties of China

Dynastic Cycle in China

ROLE OF MANDATE OF

HEAVEN

ROLE OF MANDATE OF

HEAVEN

Strong dynasty established peace and prosperity; it is considered to have Mandate of Heaven.

In time, dynasty declines and becomes corrupt; taxes are raised;

power grows weaker.

Disasters such as floods, famines, and invasions occur.

Old dynasty is seen as having lost Mandate of Heaven; rebellion is justified.

Dynasty is overthrown through rebellion and bloodshed; a new

dynasty emerges.

The new dynasty gains power, restore peace and order, and claims to have

Mandate of Heaven

Confucianism

MAJOR BELIEFS OF CONFUCIANSIMMAJOR BELIEFS OF CONFUCIANSIM

Natural Order. There is a natural order to the universe and to human relationships. Each person has a role in society, which reflects his or her

position in the universe.

Natural Order. There is a natural order to the universe and to human relationships. Each person has a role in society, which reflects his or her

position in the universe.

Role of Each Person. Each person’s social role brings a number of

obligations. If everyone fulfills these roles by meeting their obligations,

people and society will be in harmony.

Role of Each Person. Each person’s social role brings a number of

obligations. If everyone fulfills these roles by meeting their obligations,

people and society will be in harmony.

Relationships. In each relationship, there is a superior and an inferior. The superior must show love and responsibility, while the inferior

must show loyalty and obedience.

Relationships. In each relationship, there is a superior and an inferior. The superior must show love and responsibility, while the inferior

must show loyalty and obedience.

Mandate of Heaven. If the ruler benefits his people and provides

them with food and protection, then the people will obey their ruler, who will continue to hold the Mandate of

Heaven (right to rule).

Mandate of Heaven. If the ruler benefits his people and provides

them with food and protection, then the people will obey their ruler, who will continue to hold the Mandate of

Heaven (right to rule).

Zhou Dynasty (1027 B.C. – 221 B.C.)

• In 1027 B.C. the Shang (RVC) were conquered, marking the beginning of the Zhou Dynasty.

• New Ruler claims his Mandate of Heaven• The greatest legacy of the Zhou Dynasty was

the work of two Chinese philosophers, Confucius and Lao Tzu (Daoism-respect for nature and harmony and accept things as they are, not change them)

Qin Dynasty 221 B.C. – 206 B.C.)

• Qin Dynasty• Shi Huangdi

– Abolished feudalism – set up military districts– Harsh – Legalism– Standardized weights and measures– Improved transportation – canals, roads– Began building The Great Wall to keep invaders out

• Collapse of Qin– Shi Huangdi’s death– Revolts over high taxes, forced labor, and cruel policies– Liu Bang claimed Mandate of Heaven

Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.)

• Wudi – most famous emperor• Expanded the empire• Built the Silk Road – new foods: cucumbers,

grapes, walnuts from western Asia – 4000 miles to Fertile Crescent

• Confucianism• Civil service exam

Han Dynasty Cont.

• “Golden Age”– Science: books on chemistry, zoology, astronomy,

simple seismograph– Medicine: acupuncture– Technology: inventions-paper, iron stirrups,

rudder, wheelbarrows, suspension bridges