SSWH2 Identify the major achievements of Chinese and Indian societies to 500 CE/AD

S. Miles (United States of America)
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. dynasty
    a sequence of powerful leaders in the same family
    The Mauryans were an early successful dynasty in India.
  2. reincarnation
    a second or new birth
    A major focus was karma, or the belief that one action’s in life influenced ones reincarnation.
  3. nirvana
    the beatitude that transcends the cycle of reincarnation
    Buddhism is similar to Brahmanism in its belief in reincarnation and eventually reaching nirvana, but it rejected the caste system.
  4. karma
    effects of one's actions that determine his or her destiny
    A major focus was karma, or the belief that one action’s in life influenced ones reincarnation.
  5. autocracy
    a theory favoring unlimited authority by an individual
    Emperor Qin maintained order in China by establishing an autocracy – a form of government where the emperor has complete and total power.
  6. caste
    a hereditary social class among Hindus
    The belief system was supported by the strict caste system.
  7. mandate
    a formal statement of a command to do something
    In Ancient China the Mandate of Heaven was the belief that god gave rulers the right to rule, when rulers lost power, they had lost the Mandate of Heaven.
  8. nomad
    a member of a people who have no permanent home
    The Emperor used forced labor to build the Great Wall, a barrier to the north that was constructed to keep out nomads.
  9. irrigation
    the act of supplying dry land with water by artificial means
    The Zhou made very important technological advances in China including irrigation, waterways, and the use of iron.
  10. prominence
    the state of being widely known or eminent
    Buddhism over time declined in India, and Hinduism rose to prominence during the Gupta Era.
  11. emperor
    the male ruler of an empire
    Their founder was Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China.
  12. edict
    a formal or authoritative proclamation
    Ashoka, the grandson of the Empire’s founder, converted to Buddhism, practiced peace, and placed “edicts” on pillars.
  13. era
    a period marked by distinctive character
    Buddhism over time declined in India, and Hinduism rose to prominence during the Gupta Era.
  14. missionary
    someone sent to a foreign country to spread a religion
    Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to spread the religion.
  15. merit
    the quality of being deserving
    The Han dynasty utilized the civil service examination system that tested one’s knowledge of Confucianism to select government officials based on merit and not on birth.
  16. foundation
    the basis on which something is grounded
    These reforms helped create the foundation for the State that would eventually govern China’s vast territory.
  17. divine
    a clergyman or other person in religious orders
    Over time the Buddha himself will be worshiped as divine (or like a god) by many Buddhist.
  18. revolt
    rise up against an authority
    In 206 B.C. a rebel army revolted against the dynasty.
  19. execute
    put in effect
    He limited their right to discuss issues among themselves & executed anyone who criticized the government.
  20. civil
    of or occurring between or among citizens of the state
    The Han dynasty utilized the civil service examination system that tested one’s knowledge of Confucianism to select government officials based on merit and not on birth.
  21. patriarchy
    a form of social organization in which men hold power
  22. peasant
    one of a class of agricultural laborers
  23. trade
    the commercial exchange of goods and services
  24. morality
    the quality of being in accord with right or good conduct
  25. elder
    a person of more advanced age
  26. brahman
    the highest of the four varnas: the priestly or sacerdotal category
  27. Christianity
    a monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior
  28. Buddhism
    the teaching of Buddha that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct and wisdom and meditation releases one from desire and suffering and rebirth
  29. Confucianism
    the teachings of Confucius emphasizing love for humanity
  30. Hinduism
    a body of religious and philosophical beliefs and cultural practices native to India and based on a caste system; it is characterized by a belief in reincarnation, by a belief in a supreme being of many forms and natures, by the view that opposing theories are aspects of one eternal truth, and by a desire for liberation from earthly evils
  31. imperial
    relating to or associated with an empire
Created on Sun Aug 30 15:52:49 EDT 2020 (updated Sun Aug 30 15:59:33 EDT 2020)

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