Civilizations of Asia

Sikhism

• A monotheistic religion originating in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century. It emphasizes equality, selfless service, and devotion to one God (Waheguru). Sikhism's core beliefs are found in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture, and it follows the teachings of ten human Gurus. Key practices include daily prayer, living honestly, and contributing to the community (seva).

• An ancient philosophy developed in the Himalayan mountains that focuses on achieving enlightenment through meditation and rigorous physical training. Adherents believe in a pantheon of nature deities and strive to live in harmony with the natural world, often practicing forms of animism. Their sacred texts are a collection of poems and hymns known as the "Songs of the Wind."

• A mystical tradition originating in Southeast Asia that centers around ancestor worship and the veneration of powerful spirits. Followers believe in reincarnation and seek to appease these spirits through elaborate rituals and offerings. Their primary religious text is the "Book of Shadows," which details these rituals and the history of their lineage.

tributary state

• a state that acknowledges the supremacy of a more powerful state and pays it tribute, often in the form of goods, services, or money

• a nation that has willingly joined a larger, international economic alliance

• a region within a larger empire that is granted special autonomy and tax breaks in exchange for providing a specific resource, such as raw materials or agricultural products

land reform

• efforts to redistribute land ownership, often from large landowners to landless or small-scale farmers

• the process of converting agricultural land into urban areas for development. It involves rezoning, infrastructure development, and the sale of land to private developers for housing, commercial, or industrial use

• the government's regulation of land use and zoning

gentry

• a social class of wealthy landowners, scholars, and officials

• nomadic warriors who served as the military backbone of many Asian empires

• a class of merchants and artisans who controlled the trade routes and craft production in Asian societies

dowry

• the property or wealth a bride brings to her husband or his family at the time of marriage

• a traditional gift given by the groom's family to the bride's family as a symbol of respect and appreciation for welcoming her into their family

• the bride's bridal trousseau, including clothing, household goods, and other items she will need to start her new life with her husband

pagoda

• a tiered, tower-like structure, often with multiple roofs, that is common in East Asia, particularly in Buddhist cultures

• a traditional East Asian dwelling, typically made of wood and featuring a courtyard garden

• a type of fortified gateway found in ancient Chinese cities

steppe

• large, flat, and mostly treeless grassland. Steppes are characterized by low rainfall, hot summers, and cold winters

• a type of dense, tropical rainforest characterized by high biodiversity and heavy rainfall

• a high-altitude mountain range with rocky peaks and glacial valleys

abacus

• manual calculating tool using beads on rods or wires for arithmetic

• a traditional East Asian musical instrument similar to a zither, with strings stretched across a wooden soundboard. It is played by plucking the strings to create melodies

• a type of ancient Chinese writing system, where symbols are carved onto bamboo strips and then strung together to form texts

celadon

• type of stoneware pottery known for its translucent, greenish glaze, often prized for its subtle beauty and association with East Asian ceramics

• vibrant, hand-woven silk fabric featuring intricate floral patterns and used for ceremonial robes in Southeast Asia

• type of ancient Chinese bronze vessel used for ritual offerings, often decorated with animal motifs and inscriptions

Hangul

• Korean alphabet, a writing system with phonetic symbols representing individual sounds, making it relatively easy to learn and use

• complex system of ideograms used in ancient Korea, representing whole words or concepts, similar to Chinese characters

• style of traditional Korean painting characterized by delicate brushstrokes and depictions of nature, often featuring landscapes and animals