Classical China and India Review

Questions and Answers

How can individuals move from one caste to another?

You really can't; it's almost impossible. One way to do it is through marriage.

In Hinduism, how is salvation earned?

By following the caste system.

How are Hinduism and Buddhism similar?

Both originated in India and aimed for enlightenment.

What did Asoka accomplish during his rule?

He spread Buddhism. Signup and view all the answers

What were the long-term effects of the caste system in India?

Aryans were dominant, and there was equality throughout India; you stayed in your caste for life. Signup and view all the answers

What are yin and yang?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Why did Chinese philosophies rise in China?

The warring states period brought about a need for order. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Indians play along the Silk Road?

They were middlemen and merchants who took and transported goods. Signup and view all the answers

What did the teachings of Confucius encourage people to do?

Set good examples, respect elders, and demonstrate moral conduct. Signup and view all the answers

What religion follows the Four Noble Truths?

Buddhism. Signup and view all the answers

What are the major beliefs of Confucianism?

Advancement of virtue, treating others how you want to be treated, five basic relationships, respect for elders, and that all people are good, not bad. Signup and view all the answers

How were bureaucrats chosen during the Han Dynasty?

They had to take civil service exams. Signup and view all the answers

What were the major accomplishments of the Gupta Empire?

Perfected stable village life, expanded throughout the Indian subcontinent, spread Hindu culture, made advancements in math and astronomy, and compiled important medical guides. Signup and view all the answers

What is karma?

Sum of good and bad deeds. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the Deccan Plateau?

A flat plain of land between two mountain ranges in southern India. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Aryans known for?

Caste system, Sanskrit, Vedas, dominance over India. Signup and view all the answers

What is the caste system?

A social hierarchy first created by the Aryans once they invaded India. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the untouchables?

The bottom of the caste system; the lowest of the low. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the founder of Buddhism?

Siddhartha Gautama. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Dao?

The way. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Analects?

Book of conversations between Confucius and his disciples. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the founder of the Han Dynasty?

Liu Bang. Signup and view all the answers

What functions did the government in Han China have?

Turned away from Legalism, set good examples, and was influenced by Confucianism. Signup and view all the answers

What are similarities between Daoists and Confucianists?

Both want peace and order, believe people are inherently good, and have to do with following; Confucianism follows good examples, while Daoism follows 'the way'. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dynasty?

A family of kings handing down the power from one generation to the next. Signup and view all the answers

How were the Mauryan and Gupta dynasties different?

They differed in their founders, accomplishments, sizes, etc. Signup and view all the answers

How were Hinduism and Buddhism different?

Hinduism relies on the caste system with different founders and goals, while Buddhism dislikes the caste system with its own distinct beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What did Confucianism and Hinduism have in common?

Both justify social inequality and value social order. Signup and view all the answers

Why was India more often invaded than China?

It was closer to other civilizations and its barriers weren't as good as China's. Signup and view all the answers

How did Confucianism and Legalism deal with social disorder?

Confucianism emphasizes respect for elders and setting good examples, while Legalism uses harsh punishments and strict laws. Signup and view all the answers

How was Buddhism considered a religion for the general public?

It had no specific requirements and was more like a way of life than a religion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Caste System in Hinduism

Movement between castes is nearly impossible; rare changes occur mostly through marriage.
Salvation in Hinduism is attained by adhering to the caste system.

Hinduism and Buddhism

Both religions originated in India and share the ultimate goal of enlightenment.
Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama.

Historical Influences and Figures

Asoka, a prominent Indian emperor, spread Buddhism during his reign.
The Aryans established the caste system, which enforced social hierarchy and dominance in India.
The Gupta Empire made significant accomplishments in stable village life, mathematics, astronomy, and medical knowledge.

Chinese Philosophies

The rise of Chinese philosophies like Confucianism and Daoism was prompted by the need for order during the warring states period.
Confucius emphasized moral conduct, respect for elders, and setting good examples in his teachings.

Government and Bureaucracy

In Han China, bureaucrats were chosen based on civil service exams, moving away from Legalism in favor of Confucianism.
The government focused on moral guidance and influencing civil behavior.

Key Philosophical Concepts

Yin represents darkness and cold, while Yang symbolizes light and heat; balance between the two is essential for harmony.
Karma is the result of one's actions, reflecting the sum of good and bad deeds.

The caste system is a hierarchical division established by the Aryans, with the untouchables at its lowest tier.
Confucianism and Hinduism both endorse social inequality and stress the value of social order.

Trade and Cultural Exchange

Indians acted as middlemen on the Silk Road, facilitating trade and the exchange of goods between civilizations.

Similarities and Differences between Religions

Hinduism adheres to the caste system and has multiple founders; Buddhism rejects it and promotes equality.
Buddhism is seen as a general public religion with no strict requirements, resembling a way of life.

Geopolitical Factors

India was more vulnerable to invasions than China due to its geographic proximity to other civilizations and weaker natural barriers.

Legacy of Dynasties

Dynasties are defined as royal families that pass power through generations; notable dynasties include the Mauryan and Gupta, each with distinct founders and achievements.

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Description

This quiz focuses on key concepts related to Classical China and India, touching on aspects of caste, Hinduism, and Buddhism. It highlights important distinctions and similarities between these ancient cultures. Test your knowledge and understanding to prepare for your studies in history.