Similarities Between Classical India And China
The Lifestyles of Different Social Classes in Classical India and China
Classical China and India both had very defined social structures made up of peasants, merchants, and elites. The lifestyles of these classes shared some similarities and differences between the two societies. Each level’s role was affected by their civilization’s religion, government, and economy. The variations of jobs and wealth in this hierarchy also resulted in a varying levels of respect and prestige.
Peasants are perhaps the most important members of a society; they perform many of the jobs that are vital to supporting a large population. But, they are the poorest and usually own little to no land and thus, have no power. Therefore they have usually been the lowest ranking in a society throughout history, and classical China and India are no exception. However, of the two societies, …show more content…
They were powerful, wealthy, and had plenty of time to explore art, spirituality, and the pursuit of knowledge. The top group in China was known as the “Mandarins” and it consisted of land owning aristocrats and educated bureaucrats. These people controlled lots of land, including some of the peasants’ land and also had a large influence in government by assisting the Emperor. These people were treated with a very high respect from lower classes due to the beliefs of Confucianism. Elites in India included priests (Brahmans), warriors, regional leaders (princes), and wealthy aristocrats. These people were at the top of the caste system and were wealthy and influential. The primary difference between the elites of China and India is that in China they are more involved with politics and government while in India they deal more with social structure and religion. This is reflected in what each society is known for; China being very political and restrained, and India being more social, religious, and
Classical China and India both had very defined social structures made up of peasants, merchants, and elites. The lifestyles of these classes shared some similarities and differences between the two societies. Each level’s role was affected by their civilization’s religion, government, and economy. The variations of jobs and wealth in this hierarchy also resulted in a varying levels of respect and prestige.
Peasants are perhaps the most important members of a society; they perform many of the jobs that are vital to supporting a large population. But, they are the poorest and usually own little to no land and thus, have no power. Therefore they have usually been the lowest ranking in a society throughout history, and classical China and India are no exception. However, of the two societies, …show more content…
They were powerful, wealthy, and had plenty of time to explore art, spirituality, and the pursuit of knowledge. The top group in China was known as the “Mandarins” and it consisted of land owning aristocrats and educated bureaucrats. These people controlled lots of land, including some of the peasants’ land and also had a large influence in government by assisting the Emperor. These people were treated with a very high respect from lower classes due to the beliefs of Confucianism. Elites in India included priests (Brahmans), warriors, regional leaders (princes), and wealthy aristocrats. These people were at the top of the caste system and were wealthy and influential. The primary difference between the elites of China and India is that in China they are more involved with politics and government while in India they deal more with social structure and religion. This is reflected in what each society is known for; China being very political and restrained, and India being more social, religious, and