South+Asia+D+Rachel+Winston+Ashley


 * Culture**

__Background Information__

//South Asian Culture is a mix of many things, and contains many various elements, such as languages, religions, etc. It is a very varied culture, and most of the regions share an ethnic background, as the boundaries between the countries did not always exist.//

__Raiput Painting__


 * A painting style in India which flourished during the 18th century
 * It was prevalent especially in royal courts
 * They depict stories which were told in India called epics, such as Krishna's life. They also show themes like landscapes.
 * The colors were taken from conch cells, plant extracts

__The Lute__


 * In the 18th Century, there was an Arab-Turkish-Persian influence on Indian music.
 * From there originated the Lute which is now important in the music of Northern India.
 * It is a plucked instrument.
 * The lute makes use of strings, a long hollow neck and gourd resonating chamber to produce a sound which is very rich and vibrant.

__Sikh Architecture__


 * Architectural blend between Rajput and Mughal styles.
 * Mughal characteristics included in Sikh Architecture are: arches; domes, especially those that are shaped like an onion; frescoes; in-lay work; etc.
 * Rajput characteristics included are: bracket supported roof edges; round windows; chattrises; etc.
 * There is a large emphasis on creative freedom.
 * Due to the emphasis on creative freedom, there is no one theme which runs continuously through each building.
 * The ideas encompassed in the buildings seem at one harsh and bold, whilst also being elegant.

__Assamese Literature__


 * Can be traced back to the 6th century
 * During the 18th century, it was a period in Assamese Literature called Middle Assamese.
 * During the Middle Assamese, prose chronicles were explored and historical chronicles were written in large numbers
 * This is when writing started to break away from religion.


 * Religion**


 * Three Major Religions: Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism

__Islam__

-Popular in North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia -Created by Muhammad -The Koran contains the words of God -Two major branches: Sunni and Shia -"entering into a condition of peace and security with God, through allegiance or surrender to him".

__Hinduism__

-Caste system: Brahman, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, Vaisyas, and untouchables -Worship Brahman, consisted of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva (the Destroyer) -Karma – good or bad -Reincarnation – one experiences various kinds of life forms -Nirvana - rebirth

__Buddhism__

-Created by Sakyamuni Buddha in eastern India, now called Nepal -> and Prince Siddhartha followed his beliefs -Emphasizes on humanism, daily life of human spirits, joyfulness, timeliness, and saving lives

__18th Century: Theravāda__

South Asian region configured better form of religion: more organized and settled ( Theravāda Buddhism: early Buddhism) *practiced by minorities of South Asia -Widely spread in South Asia and brought the idea of leadership and configuration -Focused on identity -Much like today’s Buddhism (mid 18th century)

__Why is important?__


 * South Asia is the most powerful region

-Hinduism and Buddhism were found -These religions are widely spread throughout the world and have affected heavily -Religion represents one country’s spirit and people’s lifestyles

Trade Not many interactions have taken place in South Asia. Tribes traded but there were almost no trade between international relationships. For this reason, they were not able to develop; however, they have a strong tradition. Many of them could not take part in the trade because of the land structure dividing them all out. The most developed country of them all is India. India had many harbors and ports and has been used as a trade rout.

Resources South Asia had plenty of raw materials such as trees, iron, gold, and silver. They also had a wide variety of animals; however, many religions forbid the animals to be eaten because they resembled their god.