Analyze similarities and differences in methods of political control in the following empires in the classical period. Han China (206 B.C.E.-220 C.E.) Mauryan/Gupta India (320 B.C.E.-550 C.E.)

During the Classical period, Han China and Mauryan/Gupta India developed many methods of political control. Although these empires were located in different geographic regions, they both used social hierarchy, language, bureaucracy, and religion as a means of political control. Many of Classical India’s religious beliefs and bureaucratic practices contrasted each other in relation to the ways that they supported the methods of political control. Like Han China, Classical India used their social structure system as a method of political …show more content…

This level of education allowed these people to meet requirements of the Civil Service Test and prosper in their divisions of labor. Unlike Han China, Classical India’s religious beliefs did not stress the importance of politics and social structure. Confucius, born in the Zhou Dynasty, was a philosopher that believed in a virtuous, humble life, but his ideas were not used until the Han Dynasty. This philosophy, Confucianism, did not include much spirituality or equality, and it supported the Chinese social structure and political system. Upper class members mainly followed this philosophy because of the social inequalities that marked these teachings. Daoism, another Chinese philosophy, was followed by members of lower classes. This philosophy was more spiritual than Confucianism, but it also stressed the importance of politics. Even though China had the Confucian philosophy, members of society were searching for a belief that gave them an essence of spirituality and enlightenment. Daoism gave these people the balance of nature, balance of the good and evil, and a way of life. Also, another aspect of China’s beliefs was filial piety, or the relationships based on respect between family members and members of society. These relationships controlled society in respect to household and