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Gupta and Tang and Song. Geographic Setting. Geography benefited the northern empires because: Mountains kept out invaders Indus and Ganges Rivers provided water and fertile soil. Gupta Government . Efficient central government allowed faring and trade to prosper
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Geographic Setting • Geography benefited the northern empires because: • Mountains kept out invaders • Indus and Ganges Rivers provided water and fertile soil
Gupta Government • Efficient central government allowed faring and trade to prosper • Provided a stable background for advances in learning and arts • Central government gave great power to local leaders • Local leaders elected by merchants and artisans • Women were not allowed to serve on councils
Influence of Hinduism • Hinduism had strong influence on Gupta life • Gupta dynasty promoted Hinduism • Village life effect through the caste system • Had effect on culture and intellectual achievements
The Caste System • People believed that Karma (all the good and bad things they had done in life) determined their caste • People could not change their caste in their lifetime but could be born into a new one • The Untouchables were outcasts who lived harsh lives • Untouchables were given “impure”jobs • Untouchables had to live apart from Gupta society
Contributions • Zero and decimal system • Arabic numerals • Medicines • Stupas, large dome shaped shrines
Tang Dynasty • After fall of Han Dynasty, China was divided for nearly 400 years until Tang Taizon took power and established the Tang Dynasty • Ruled China from 615-907 • Forced Vietnam, Tibet and Korea to send tribute • Corruption, drought and rebellion contributed to collapse of Tang China
Song Dynasty • 960 AD Zhao Kuangyin united China under Song Dynasty • China prospered under Song rule • Eventually Mongols from the north invaded and conquered the Song Dynasty in 1279
Tang and Song • Set up schools to prepare for civil service exam = highly educated ruling class
Achievements • Land reform: Redistributed land to peasants • Paper money • The grand canal – linking the Huang He and Yangzi • Calligraphy- fine handwriting’ • Porcelain • Influenced Japanese life