Ashoka - Asian Studies

ASHOKA

Ashoka was “beloved of the Gods”. He was the greatest Mauryan ruler. He was Chandragupta’s grandson, who died in 297 BCE. He had a habit of inscribing his name and imperial edicts on rocks and pillars, which he set up all over his empire. This contributed to his discovery by the British in the late 19th century. He came to the throne about 269BCE. Converted to Buddhism and felt it was mission to spread Buddhism and lead the example of righteousness.

GUPTAN CULTURE

The Guptan dynasty ruled in the north (India) from about 320 CE to 550CE.

Our chief source for information on the Guptan culture is from Fa Xian, a Chinese Buddhist that traveled through the country and wrote journals of his experience.

Crime was very rare. Hospitals were free, supported by private donations. Those that were in the high caste were vegetarians. Buddhism was still flourishing however Hinduism was becoming dominant.

This period was known as the Golden Age of Sanskrit literature (classical language of India).

VEDIC CULTURE

The Vedic period was from 1000 to 500 BCE. It was in this period where a lot of the Indian culture traditions evolved. It was a highly sophisticated culture. Was home to the most advanced knowledge and practice of medicine, mathematics, the number system, steel metalworking and science. The people of this time were know as Aryans who migrated from South Central Asia.

BOOK OF SONGS (SHIH)

This book contains more than 300 poems. Confucius asked his students to memorize them. He thought that if you didn’t know poetry you didn’t know how to speak. He believed poetry would help you know the truth and understand it.

BOOK OF RITUALS (LI)

This book speaks of the proper form of ceremonies. There are 3 parts. Rites of Zhou- describes government system of Zhou dynasty. Ceremony- contains the rules of events in life of the upper-class. Book of Rites- the longest part of the book, provides government information about government regulations on how to manage casual events.

BOOK OF CHANGES (YI)

A