India as Cultural Mosaic and Political Structures

The spread of Christianity throughout Eastern and Western Europe, becoming the dominant religion.

The period between 1000-1300 CE saw the rise of parish churches, increasing the influence of the clergy in people's lives.

The belief that the religion of Christianity was superior to all other religions.

The Seljuk Turks, a Muslim group, threatened the Byzantine Empire in the late 11th century, prompting Christian pilgrims to seek help.

The Crusades, which started in 1095, were military campaigns led by Christian knights to reclaim the Holy Land in Jerusalem from Muslim control.

India became a center for trade, migration, and cultural exchange between various regions of Afro-Eurasia due to its strategic location on land and sea trade routes.

The Ottoman Turks, with their Islamic beliefs, spread into India, similar to their expansion into other Islamic regions. They encountered a diverse population of various ethnicities and religions.

Before the arrival of the Ottoman Turks, India was divided into numerous kingdoms ruled by rival leaders called rajas.

Rajas gained support from Brahmans (religious leaders) by granting them land in exchange for their religious authority and blessings.

Temples were built on newly cultivated land, attracting indigenous hunter-gatherers who were converted to Hinduism and then taught how to farm.

The spread of Hinduism through Brahman influence created a farming-based economic system that increased tax revenue for the government.

Brahmans meticulously compiled family histories (genealogies) for rajas, legitimizing their positions and strengthening their leadership.

Rajas adopted 'Sanskrit culture,' which included equestrian skills, courtly etiquette, and support for artists and poets.

A political and economic system where land ownership is the basis of power, with nobles granting land in exchange for military service and loyalty. Lords rule over their estates, known as manors, and peasants are bound to the land and owe labor to the lords.

The self-sufficient agricultural estates where lords lived with their families and peasants worked the land, producing food and goods for themselves and the lord.

Peasants who were tied to the land they worked and owed labor and loyalty to the lord in exchange for protection and the right to live on the manor.

A type of feudalism where manors became more organized and efficient, using advanced agricultural techniques and focusing on localized production.

Migration of peasants from Western Europe to Eastern Europe seeking freedom from the arbitrary rule of lords and forced labor.

The cities and towns that developed in Eastern Europe, often located at crossroads of trade routes, and not primarily focused on agriculture.

The influence of the Byzantine Empire's culture and religion on the development of Eastern Slavic (Russian) civilization.

The grand cathedral in Constantinople (now Istanbul), which served as a symbol of Byzantine power and served as a model for Russian churches.

The Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526) was a period of Turkish Muslim rule in northern India. Known for its political integration, cultural diversity and tolerance. Did not force a cultural homogenization.

The Delhi Sultanate adopted local architectural styles, incorporating local artisans into constructing palaces and mosques, while respecting Indian traditions.

The Delhi Sultanate fostered a policy of religious tolerance. It accepted the diversity of religions and allowed non-Muslims to follow their own practices and laws, collecting a jizya tax instead.

Though Islam spread through the Delhi Sultanate, it did not dominate Southern India. This was mainly due to the fact that rulers did not force conversions.

The Delhi Sultanate embraced various local traditions and cultures. The rulers accepted the existing Indian social structures, including the Varna system and encouraged diversity in religious practices and cultural practices.

In the 1000s to 1200s, India was a diverse and tolerant region with a mosaic of cultures. This diversity was due to the assimilation of invaders and immigrants, who, despite adhering to their religious beliefs, were integrated into the Indian society.

The Song Dynasty (960-1279) was a period of economic and political success in China, ending the fragmentation of the country. The dynasty's success led to influence in Southeast Asia.

The Song Dynasty faced challenges from nomadic tribes, particularly the Mongols, who eventually ended their reign. Despite this, the Song Dynasty's achievements influenced Southeast Asia.

The Song Dynasty's economic successes were based on a strong agrarian base, with an emphasis on wheat, millet, and rice. This led to a boom in manufacturing, including metalworking, gunpowder, porcelain, and clothing.

The Song Dynasty (960-1279) witnessed the first manufacturing revolution in history, characterized by large-scale production and widespread consumption of goods. The era also saw an expanding role of money in commerce.

The Chinese viewed themselves as culturally superior to other groups, calling them 'outsiders' within their borders and 'barbarians'. This attitude influenced their interactions with these groups.

The invention of printing in China around 1300 played a crucial role in solidifying Chinese identity and cultural influence. The widespread use of printing facilitated the production and circulation of books, further promoting the sense of shared culture and knowledge.

The widespread use of calendars, books, and philosophical texts in classical Chinese unified the educated classes of East Asia. This standardized language served as a unifying force across regions, promoting cultural exchange and intellectual discourse.

Despite their apprehensions about trade with outsiders, the Song Dynasty established a specialized office to manage trade with merchants and sailors. This office regulated trade activities, collected taxes, and closely monitored foreign interactions.

China's immense population, significant agricultural production, and innovative manufacturing practices made it one of the wealthiest cultural spheres in the world during this period.

The availability of common language (classical Chinese) and the opportunity for scholars to achieve positions of power through education in government service played a key role in China's cultural and political landscape.

The decline of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD led to political turmoil and a rise in vulnerabilities to invasions from groups (like Goths and Germanic tribes) who desired Roman wealth or were fleeing the Huns.

In the absence of strong central political authority in Western Europe, the Christian Church provided crucial support and guidance for those seeking stability and continuity.

Feudalism emerged as a response to the vulnerability of people due to invasions. Lords provided protection in exchange for services from knights and serfs, highlighting the decentralized nature of power and the importance of mutual reliance.

The crowning of Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor by the Pope in 800AD brought a temporary sense of unity and order to Western Europe. However, the death of Charlemagne led to fragmentation and renewed turmoil, culminating in Viking invasions.

This is a type of paper money printed in Shanxi province, China. It was used in place of coins as an easier and lighter way to carry money.

When too much money is circulated, it leads to a decrease in its value, which causes prices of goods to rise rapidly. Think of it like a crowded room: the more people we have, the less space each of us has, and if we all want that same one piece of cake, we'll all have to pay more for it.

The Song Dynasty was a strong and advanced empire in China. They had a highly organized government with a large number of officials who were selected through a challenging exam system. Think of it like a pyramid: there's a big group at the bottom who all want to get to the top, and they have to prove themselves through exams. This system gave power to those who were skilled and smart, not just those born into wealth and position.

The Song Dynasty used exams to find talented people to work in their government. Imagine you're trying to assemble a team for a sports game: you'd pick people who are good at their specific skills, right? The same goes for the Song Dynasty. They needed people who were good at governing, and they made sure they selected the best by using exams.

The Song Dynasty would make their new officials swear allegiance to them. This was done after they completed the final exam. Think of it like a swearing-in ceremony for a new doctor or lawyer. They have to promise to uphold the law and help others. In the same way, the officials promised to be loyal to the emperor and serve the best interests of China.

People who lived north of Song Dynasty China. These nomads were traditionally known for their ability to move around and live off the land. They were skilled warriors who often clashed with the Song Dynasty.

These nomadic groups constantly tried to overtake the Song Dynasty. They used many advanced weapons and strategies to do so, including steel-tipped arrows, flamethrowers, and catapults. Think of it like a battle between a well-equipped army and a group of skilled warriors.

The Song Dynasty often paid off the nomads to avoid conflicts, which worked in the short term but ultimately weakened them financially and in terms of military strength. It's like paying someone off to avoid a fight. It might work for now, but it makes you look weak and puts you at a disadvantage later on.

Japan, influenced by China, established its capital Kyoto as a model of the successful Chinese capital.

The Khmer Empire, located in SE Asia, emerged as a powerful and influential kingdom during this time. They left behind incredible architectural wonders like Angkor Wat, showcasing their strength and wealth.