Political History Before and During the Mauryan Dynasty

Darius I of Persia conquered the northwest region of India, making the Hindu Kush the most prosperous area under his rule.

Alexander the Great's invasion of India caused political upheaval and instability, paving the way for the unification of the region.

Chandragupta Maurya successfully unified India after Alexander's invasion, establishing the Mauryan dynasty.

Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, served as a key advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, authoring the Arthashastra which focused on politics, economics, and military strategy.

Following the Battle of Kalinga, Ashoka, a grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, embraced Buddhism after feeling remorse over the violence, and spread the religion throughout his empire.

The capital of the Mauryan Empire, Pataliputra was a significant trading hub located near the Ganges River, known for its economic activity.

A dome-shaped structure in Buddhism used to house relics of the Buddha for meditation and symbolizing the religion.

Originally built by Ashoka, this stupa in Sanchi served as a meditation temple and a center for education, featuring four Lion Pillars at each entrance representing the spread of Buddhism.

A philosophical concept that emphasizes moderation in all aspects of life, particularly in consumption and material possessions.

A major form of Buddhism that focuses on achieving enlightenment (nirvana) through practices like meditation and compassion. It emphasizes the concept of bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who delay their own nirvana to help others.

A set of ancient Hindu epics, including the "Mahabharata" and "Ramayana." These stories offer moral lessons, explore themes like dharma (duty), and provide insights into the nature of human existence.

A Hindu concept that refers to the fulfillment of one's moral duties and responsibilities. It encompasses fulfilling social roles and upholding ethical values to maintain harmony in society.

The continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism. This cycle is influenced by karma, where actions in one life affect one's future circumstances.

Hinduism's concept of action and consequence. It suggests that actions, thoughts, and words have karmic effects that determine one's future in samsara.

A traditional social hierarchy in India based on birth and occupation, with Brahmins (priests) at the top and untouchables at the bottom. It's important to note that the caste system has undergone significant changes over time.

A term used to describe job-based communities in India. These groups became more significant than the caste system over time, offering greater flexibility and regional identity.

A system of paved roads spanning over 50,000 miles, connecting cities, aiding military campaigns and facilitating trade across the vast Roman Empire.

A network of channels that carried freshwater from distant sources to the Roman cities, enabling their growth and prosperity.

A vast amphitheater in Rome that hosted gladiator fights, naval battles, and executions, serving as a symbol of Roman power and spectacle.

A religion centered on Jesus of Nazareth, originally facing persecution but later gaining widespread influence, eventually becoming a dominant force in Roman society.

A polytheistic religion popular among Roman soldiers, characterized by its exclusion of women and rituals centered around Mithras, a god of light and justice.

A trade route network that connected China to the Roman Empire, primarily known for the trade of silk from China but also involving other goods and ideas.

A seasonal wind pattern in the Indian Ocean that influences sea trade; the Summer Monsoon brings heavy rainfall, while the Winter Monsoon brings dry winds.

A set of trade routes connecting different regions, often managed by a chain of merchants specializing in specific segments, contributing to the spread of goods and ideas.

The practice of binding young girls' feet to make them small, considered a sign of beauty, symbolizing patriarchy in Chinese culture.

A form of Buddhism that emphasizes meditation, mindfulness, and rituals like tea ceremonies, popular among elites and samurai.

A form of Buddhism that emphasized accessibility for peasants, requiring only repetitive chanting. It spread widely among those seeking spiritual comfort.

The period in Japan (710–794 C.E.) marked by the introduction of Buddhism from Korea and China, leading to a blend of Buddhist and Shinto beliefs.

The period in Japan (794–1185 C.E.) marked by a flourishing of culture, the rise of aristocracy, and the writing of the first novel, "The Tale of Genji."

The spread of diseases like smallpox, measles, and the bubonic plague was facilitated by trade routes, leading to economic slowdowns, regional self-sufficiency, and epidemics in empires like Han and Roman.

Epidemics in the Han Dynasty exacerbated existing conflicts and rebellions, contributing to the empire's instability.

The Yellow Turban Uprising was a peasant rebellion in the Han Dynasty, symbolized by yellow turbans representing the earth, lasting five years.

The collapse of the Han Dynasty was triggered by a combination of factors, including internal conflicts within the royal court, land distribution issues leading to private armies, and the Yellow Turban Uprising, all exacerbated by epidemics.

Diocletian, a soldier-turned-ruler, divided the Roman Empire into two parts and established the tetrarchy, a system of four co-rulers, to manage the empire's vast size.

Constantine, the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, legalized the religion within the empire through the Edict of Milan, and founded Constantinople as the new capital.

Alaric I, a Visigoth leader, sacked Rome in 410 CE, marking the first time the city was captured by an enemy in 800 years, signifying the decline of the Roman Empire.

Attila the Hun, a leader from the Eurasian steppes, led widespread destruction in Roman territories, weakening the empire through relentless attacks and plunder.

A system for redistributing wealth in the Tang Dynasty that gave 20% of land to male family members and redistributed 80% to address social inequality. This system was effective until the 8th century, when it was weakened by population growth, corruption, and the power of Buddhist monasteries.

This system used civil service exams based on Confucian teachings, open to all, to select officials. Instead of hereditary positions, individuals were promoted based on merit. It created a stronger and more competent government by ensuring officials were skilled and qualified.

The Tang Dynasty expanded its territory into neighboring regions such as Manchuria, Korea, Vietnam, and Tibet. They established tributary relationships with conquered regions, demanding gifts and requiring a kowtow ritual (prostration) as a sign of submission.

The only female emperor of China, Empress Wu Zetian (Wu Zhao), ruled from 690 C.E. She was born into a wealthy family and was educated in literature, music, and politics. She promoted Buddhism and expanded the civil service exam system, associating herself with Buddhist spiritual power.

The Tang Dynasty declined due to factors like corruption, negligence by top officials, and a powerful rebellion led by An Lushan. The dynasty's reliance on Turkish Uighurs for military support ultimately led to their downfall, with Uighurs sacking major cities.

Founded by Song Taizu after a period of chaos following the Tang Dynasty's fall, the Song Dynasty focused on central government, industry, education, and arts. Their reliance on scholar-bureaucrats for military leadership contributed to their downfall. They ultimately fell to the Mongols in 1279.

The Tang and Song Dynasties witnessed significant advancements in metallurgy, utilizing iron for agricultural tools and copper for coins. Porcelain, a symbol of social status, was produced as elite pottery. Printing technology saw the development of a movable wooden block printing press. Navigation was aided by the magnetic compass. Gunpowder, initially used for fireworks, evolved into weapons. Paper money was introduced to simplify trade and prevent counterfeiting.

The introduction of fast-ripening rice from Vietnam allowed for two crops per year, significantly improving agricultural productivity. Other innovations in agriculture included iron plows, draft animals, soil fertilizers, and improved irrigation. Terrace farming and water wheels were also crucial for efficient farming during this era.