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Classical Asia Classical Asia India and China Similarities to ancient Near East? Differences? 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 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 India • Fundamental Hindu Principles – Our illusory world vs. real and permanent unseen world – Wheel of Life – KARMA – End goal: MOKSHA Buddhism • Buddhism – Began as revolt within Hinduism – SIDDHARTHA GAUTAMA (563-483 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 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 (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 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 India Ashokan pillar (269-232 BC) Lion capital of pillar at Sarnath (269-232 BC) India Great Stupa, Sanchi (1st cent. BC – 1st cent. AD) India India India • Questions? 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) China • The Zhou (ca. 1100-221 BC) – Government • Kings claimed mandate from Heaven to rule “sons of Heaven” • Extension of territory dependence on landlordvassals • Regional rulers formed independent armies kings reduced to figureheads (402-201 BC) – Emergence of standardized Chinese 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 China China • 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 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. 551-478 BC) • Personal virtue, reverence for tradition good political life • Obey, respect superiors • Advice for leaders: behave modestly, love wisdom Confucius China • Daoism – Dao: “the way of nature” – Stressed harmony, mystery of nature – LAOZI (5th 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 Laozi China China China • Questions? Classical Asia India and China Similarities to ancient Near East? Differences?
