Indian History: Rajas and Brahmans

The idea that religions gain support from governments by providing benefits, and in turn, governments gain support by aligning with religions.

The system of using land grants to gain support from religious leaders, who then helped spread Hinduism and create a more stable tax base.

The process of compiling and documenting family histories (genealogies) for ruling families to legitimize their power and gain public trust.

A specific cultural tradition that emerged amongst Indian rulers, featuring skills like horseback riding, courtly manners, and support for arts and literature.

The Ottoman Turkish rulers who invaded northern India, facing limited resistance due to the fragmented nature of the Rajas.

A diverse mix of cultures and people coexisting within a single region, often with a strong sense of shared identity.

A system of social hierarchy in India based on birth, occupation, and ritual purity.

A tax levied on non-Muslims in Islamic-ruled territories.

The process of absorbing and incorporating new people and their cultural practices into an existing society.

The process of strengthening and unifying diverse cultures within a single territory.

The belief that one's culture is superior to others and should be imposed on them.

Rule by Turkish Muslim leaders in northern India from 1206 to 1526.

The first great unified dynasty of China after the fall of the Tang dynasty.

A period of significant technological advancements in manufacturing, particularly during the Song Dynasty in China.

The practice of giving land use rights to individuals or groups in exchange for taxes or other services.

The practice of printing and using paper money, which was more convenient than coins for transactions.

A period of rapid and uncontrollable increase in prices, often caused by excessive printing of money, which reduces its value.

The formal system of examinations in China, requiring a rigorous process to enter government service.

A class of highly educated officials who gained power through the civil service exams, replacing hereditary aristocracy.

Groups of people from nomadic societies living north of China, often engaging in conflict and trade with the Chinese.

The deliberate adoption of aspects of Chinese culture and institutions by nomadic societies for conquest and political gain.

The use of advanced technology and strategies by nomadic societies against Song China, employing weapons like flamethrowers and crossbows.

A policy of purchasing peace with nomadic societies, providing temporary solutions but causing long-term economic and military weaknesses.

The emergence of distinct identities amongst China's neighbors, fueled by Chinese strength and commercial interactions, to avoid being absorbed by China.

The capital of Japan, modeled after the Chinese capital, showcasing the strong influence of Chinese culture.

A period of political instability and fragmentation in the Western Roman Empire where Germanic tribes invaded and overran the empire, leading to the emergence of new kingdoms.

A system of social and political organization in medieval Europe where land ownership was the basis of power and loyalty. Lords granted land to vassals in exchange for military service and allegiance.

A system of agricultural production and social organization during the Middle Ages, where land was divided into self-sufficient estates. Each manor was controlled by a lord and worked by serfs who were obligated to provide labor and pay dues in exchange for protection.

The rise of the Christian Church in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire, providing guidance, continuity, and support to the fragmented society. This was due to the weakness of political authority at the time.

The spread of Christianity into Northern Europe through the influence of Germanic tribes, who converted to Christianity and brought it to their new territories.

A system where landowning lords provided protection to peasants (serfs) in exchange for their labor and loyalty. This system evolved with time, becoming more organized and efficient.

Self-sufficient agricultural estates controlled by lords. They included fortified homes, fields, villages, and sometimes churches. Peasants lived, worked, and often worshipped within the manor.

A concept of noble behavior and conduct associated with medieval knights. It consisted of chivalry, bravery, honor, and loyalty, often idealized in tales of knights rescuing damsels in distress.

The movement of peasants from Western Europe, seeking freedom from forced labor and harsh feudal lords, to Eastern Europe in the 1100s-1200s.

The coronation of Charlemagne as the Holy Roman Emperor in 800 CE, marking a significant attempt to restore some order and continuity in Europe after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. However, it was short-lived as the empire was eventually fragmented once again.

The decline of the Western Roman Empire led to Muslim conquests of territories previously under Roman control. This brought Christianity and Islam into direct contact, with Muslims taking control of areas with large Christian populations, including the Holy Land.

The period from 1000 to 1300 CE in Europe characterized by a strong contrast between localized power and a shared sense of European identity, particularly in the context of Christianity.

Muslim control of Jerusalem and the Holy Land in the 11th century led to dangers for Christian pilgrims traveling to the region. The Seljuk Turks, a Muslim dynasty, threatened both pilgrims and the Byzantine Empire, creating a religious and political crisis.

The influence of the Byzantine Empire, particularly Constantinople, on the development of Russia. Russian cities prioritized trade and adopted elements of Byzantine culture, including architecture and religion.

The iconic church, Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, served as a model for religious architecture in Russia, including the city of Kiev's own Hagia Sophia.

Pope Urban II called on European warriors to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim rule, leading to the first Crusade. The Pope advocated for a "just war" to liberate the Holy Land from Muslim control, uniting warriors and commoners under a religious banner.

The decline of the feudal system in Western Europe around the 12th century due to increased trade, urbanization, and a less dangerous environment. This shifted power away from lords towards monarchs and cities.

One of the four major cultural spheres of the world (along with Europe, the Middle East, and India) during the period of 1000-1300 CE. China was characterized by a strong sense of cultural superiority, a sophisticated printing technology, advanced manufacturing, and a large and thriving agricultural economy.

The Crusades involved large numbers of armed warriors, many of whom travelled via ports like Genoa, Pisa, and Venice, to reach the Holy Land. The Crusades had a significant economic impact, as money flowed from Europe to these port cities.

The belief system practiced by the Byzantine Empire, which influenced Russia. It provided a source of religious authority and helped shape Russian culture.

The core principle of the feudal system: landowning nobles rewarded for their military service with land ownership. Those who fought for their lord received land and benefits. This system was essential for maintaining power and order.

The Crusades, while initially motivated by religious fervor, had complex political and economic dimensions as well. They involved the European powers, the Byzantine Empire, and the Islamic world, leading to regional conflicts and power struggles.

The gradual evolution of manors, with the adoption of more advanced techniques and organization, leading to increased production. This change made life for peasants less harsh and more stable.