Buddhism and Chinese Culture Quiz

Mahayana Buddhism

• One of the two major branches of Buddhism emphasizing the path of the bodhisattva.

Tributary System

• A network defining trade and foreign relations between China and its tributary states, significantly influencing East Asian politics.

Bubonic Plague

• A severe infectious disease in humans, noted for high fever, delirium, and swollen lymph nodes (buboes).

Junks

• Advanced Chinese naval vessels featuring watertight bulkheads, sternpost rudders, and compasses, enhancing maritime trade capabilities.

Gunpowder

• A chemical mixture of saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal, crucial for warfare and technology in various civilizations.

Neo-Confucianism

• An evolving school of thought in China, merging Confucian principles with elements of Taoism and Buddhism.

Examination System

• A merit-based recruitment method for civil service positions, promoting fairness over nepotism.

Calligraphy

• An esteemed artistic practice in which decorative handwriting and lettering are highly valued.

"Flying Money" Certificates

• Chinese credit vouchers enabling merchants to secure funds during voyages, facilitating trade.

Footbinding

• A cultural practice in China involving tightly binding young girls' feet to restrict growth, symbolizing status.

Shamanism

• A spiritual practice among indigenous peoples across northern Europe and Siberia, focusing on communing with spirits.

House of Koryo

• A historical Korean dynasty founded by King Taejo in 918, laying groundwork for future governance.

Tenno

• Term referring to the Emperor of Japan, a central figure in the Japanese imperial structure.

Shinto

• A traditional Japanese religion centered on ancestor worship, nature spirits, and the sacredness of all things.

Samurai

• Members of a powerful military class in feudal Japan, known for their code of honor and combat skills.

Champa Rice

• A resilient rice variety that matures quickly, allowing two harvests within one season, enhancing agricultural productivity.

Chang'an

• An ancient capital city in China, significant in over ten historical dynasties, presently known as Xi'an.

Grand Canal

• The longest man-made canal globally, an important trade route and cultural site in China.

Kyoto (Heian)

• Refers to the final eras of classical Japanese history, spanning from 794 to 1185, known for cultural advancements.

Sui Empire

• A brief but crucial Chinese dynasty, serving as a bridge between the previous and subsequent dynasties.

Tang Empire

• A prominent imperial dynasty succeeding the Sui, known for its prosperity and cultural achievements.

Tiber

• A significant river in central Italy, flowing through Rome, vital to the region’s historical development.

Song Empire

• Considered a pinnacle era of cultural and technological advancements in later imperial Chinese history.

Liao Empire

• A historical empire in East Asia, ruling present-day Mongolia with notable influence over surrounding regions.

Silla Kamakura Shogunate

• A Korean dynasty that ruled from 935 to 1392, recognized for its cultural developments.

Kamakura Shogunate

• A military government in Japan reigning from 1185 to 1333, marked by shifts in power and governance.

Annam (Dai Viet)

• An older name for Vietnam, reflecting its historical significance in regional politics.

Champa

• A group of independent polities in central and southern Vietnam noted for their trade and cultural exchanges.

Uighur Empire

• A Turkic empire that thrived for about a century during the 8th and 9th centuries, contributing to regional dynamics.

Li Shimin

• The second emperor of the Tang dynasty, noted for his military successes and governance reforms.

Wu Zhao

• Marked as China's sole female emperor, known for her powerful rule and political influence.

Khitans

• A nomadic group originating from Mongolia and Manchuria, contributing to regional historical narratives.

Jurchens

• Tungusic peoples in Manchuria who transformed into the Manchus by the early 17th century through integration.

Huang Chao Rebellion

• A significant peasant uprising led by a Han Chinese salt trader who claimed imperial power for a brief period.

The Tale of the Heike

• A 12th-century epic chronicling the conflicts of the Genpei War, showcasing historical narratives.

The Tale of the Genji

• A pivotal work in Japanese literature authored by Murasaki Shikibu, highlighting the tale of court life and romance.

Tang Trade and Integration

• Strong trade networks established during the Tang dynasty, with provisions for travelers and regulated taxation.

Tang Repression of Buddhism

• Under Emperor Wuzong, Buddhist practices faced persecution leading to the destruction of thousands of monasteries in 845 C.E.

Song Trade and Industries

• The Song dynasty witnessed advances in agriculture, silkworm production, and increased iron and steel output.

Women's Roles in Song China and Beyond

• Women in Song China often managed businesses but lacked property rights; in contrast, elite Japanese women contributed culturally. In Korea, women held property rights, while footbinding was unique to China.

Test your knowledge on key concepts of Mahayana Buddhism, the tributary system, and the impact of the bubonic plague. Explore important topics such as junks, gunpowder, Neo-Confucianism, and the examination system in ancient China. This quiz will challenge your understanding of these significant cultural and historical elements.