EARLY ASIAN SOCIETIES
Early Society in Mainland East Asia
Early Societies in South Asia
Foundations of Harappan Society
Located along the Indus River
Zhou Dynasty
Salt from the Hindu Kush Mountaints
Society developed around 3000-2500 BCE
Cultivation of Crops such as Cotton began at around 5000 BCE
2 Major Cities (Harappa, and Mahenjo-Daro and over 1500 Settlements
Indo-European Migration or The Aryans
Indian Patriarchy
Chinese Society
Shang Dynasty
SOCIAL - Evidence of Social Order with Specialized Labor, Dwelling Sizes etc.
POLITICAL - Fortified Cities, Residencies, Grid Streets and Public Buildings
INTERACTIONS - Loss of Topsoil through Deforestation and Flooding led to its decline after 1900 BCE
CULTURAL - Statues, Figurines, and Illustrations of Goddess of Fertility
ECONOMIC - Standardized weights and measures in marketplaces
Developed on Livestock - Sheep, Cows, Goats etc.
Aryans often fought among themselves, and the indigenous people
Religion Based on the Vedas - Written in Sanskrit, the Holy Language
POLITICAL - Chiefdoms led by Rajas and other Political Roles Determined by Caste System
Developed into Early Punjab
SOCIAL- Tribal Positions and Roles later developed into Full Caste System
INTERACTIONS - Futile Soils led to Major Reliance on Agriculture
Gender played a major role in Social Order
Lawbook of Manu determined Womens Roles
Women were to bear children and take care of the household
Women were to commit suicide after their husband's death
Existed from 1766–1122 B.C.E.
CULTURAL - Caste System and Social Order Impacted Culture
ECONOMIC - Economic Status and Job were often set due to the Caste System
Brahmins or priests
Kshatriyas or warriors/aristocrats
Vaishyas or cultivators/artisans/merchants
Shudras or landless peasants/serfs
"Untouchables"
Impressive architecture seen in capital cities of Ao and Yin
SOCIAL - Economic Roles eventually led to a social order of Power (See Chinese Society)
Coexisted with other states, including Sanxingdui
ECONOMIC - State Monopoly of all Bronze Metallurgy
CULTURAL - Tombs, more lavish for those higher up in the social ladder
Those in the royal family buried together, and often few are sacrificed, mostly slaves
POLITICAL- Large Armies, and Walled Cities, all loyal to the center (Circular Grid Patterns)
Capital was relocated a total of 6 times
INTERACTIONS - Civilization developed along the Yellow River and horses used for chariots and other vehicles
Existed from 1122 B.C.E. to 256 B.C.E.
SOCIAL - Economic Roles eventually led to a social order of power (See Chinese Society
CULTURAL - Literature Read includes the reflections of Confucius, Book of Changes, Book of History, Book of Etiquette (Book of Rites), Book of Songs
POLITICAL - No law codes, and a decentralization of Power
The Creation of Local Regional Powers led to its downfall
ECONOMIC - Creation of Cheap Iron led to additional weaponry and ended monopoly of bronze
INTERACTIONS - Civilization located along the Yellow River
Iron Depositories played a major role in the creation of weaponry
The Period of the Warring States lasted from 403–221 B.C.E. - Time of Internal Disagreements and Conflict
Northern Invaders Also Led to Downfall
Devotion to Family and Honoring of Ancestors
Idea of Spirit and Sacrificial Riturals
Social Order and Classes
Ruling Families and Classes Had a luxurious lifestyle, supported with taxes and food surplus
Artisans and Craftsment
Semi Servile Servents
Slaves
Father head of the Family
Limited Female Leaders towards the end of the Zhou and Shang Dynasties