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Ancient China Vs Ancient India Essay

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Ancient India and Ancient China attempted to create orderly societies through two major belief systems — Hinduism in India and Confucianism in China. There were many similarities and differences between these two belief systems. Both belief systems had social hierarchy. However, these social hierarchies had different ways of placing different people. Both Hinduism and Confucianism had motivation for moral behaviors, but these motivations varied for each belief system. Both Ancient India and Ancient China had social hierarchy. In Ancient India, the caste system was implemented. The caste system divided citizens into five classes or castes. The Brahmin priests were at the top of the social pyramid, performing sacrifices and rituals. Kshatriyas, …show more content…

In Ancient India, followers of Hinduism believed that the caste each person is placed in in their next life is based on whether that person followed their duty in their current life, or their dharma. If one follows their dharma, they will be placed into a higher caste in their next life. However, if one does not follow their dharma, they will be placed in a lower caste in their next life. The ultimate goal is to become one with the god Brahman; this process is called moksha. Moksha can only be achieved by Brahmin, the highest caste. The hope of reaching a higher caste in their next lifetime kept the Indian people in order and prompted them to behave in a proper manner. Because the people of Ancient India truly believed that following their dharma would lead them to a better life in the near future, they were more willing to accept the caste they were in during their current life. Unlike the ancient Indians, followers of Confucianism in Ancient China focused more on earthly matters and what was happening in the moment. The Chinese wanted to avoid shame. Family was very important in Ancient China; Chinese citizens did not want to dishonor their family. To bring dishonor to one’s family was considered unlawful and wrong. The Chinese also believed that people must be led by a fair leader and thought moral leaders would inspire their followers to be moral as well. The ancient Chinese also believed in following

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