An Introduction to Song China: 

 

The Song dynasty ruled modern-day China from 960-1279, and encompassed territory that was smaller than that of its predecessors (ex. The Tang dynasty). Under the Song dynasty, the imperial bureaucracy expanded with the number of bureaucratic positions available.

 

Emperor Song Taizu established the merit-based civil service exam, which allowed even the poor to obtain social mobility through government positions. This allowed the Song dynasty to be coined as a ¨meritocracy¨. 

 

One of the most influential creations during the Song dynasty was the Grand Canal, an inexpensive and efficient internal waterway that allowed for goods to be transported and for China to become one of the most populous trading areas in the world.

• Similarly, a drought-resistant rice variant from Vietnam called Champa rice was introduced to Song China and increased agricultural productivity while facilitating population growth.

• The proliferation of ¨black earth¨ (coal) allowed for increased infrastructure which could support a bigger population. In addition to this, a new economic activity called proto-industrialization was introduced. This was when rural populations would grow surpluses of agricultural products to sell, boosting the economy.

• The Song was also home to increased innovation, exemplified through the creation of guns, terrace farming, the aforementioned irrigation systems, and agricultural methods.

• It is important to note that the Song Chinese invented the paper printing system, which expanded the availability of literature for the economically privileged. 

 

As China grew to become the most urbanized Postclassical society, it began to accept tribute and develop cordial relationships with other East Asian countries. For example, through a tribute system, tributary states would offer money or goods to honor the Chinese emperor. This stimulated not only the Song economy, but political influence as well. 

 

Confucian philosophy continued to assert itself as a determining ideology in Song China. Those educated in Confucianism, known as the elite scholar gentry, were of highest societal ranking, overtaking the previous aristocrats. 

 

Women in Song China: 

 

Patriarchy continued to be prominent in Song China, a continuity from the previous Tang dynasty. 

• Foot-binding, where a woman´s foot would be broken and tightly bound to prevent her from participating in social life, was a common practice and signified wealth amongst Chinese families. 

 

Religion and Foreign Affairs: 

Buddhism originated in India and travelled to China via the Silk Roads, adopting various forms such as the Theravada, Mahayana and Tibetan types of Buddhism. 

• Buddhists believed in the four Noble Truths, a liberation from suffering, and the Eight Fold Path to reach nirvana.

• Zen (Chan) Buddhism was a popular form of the faith that combined Buddhist and Daoist elements.

While Buddhism was popular, it is undeniable that the Song Chinese maintained a preference for Confucianism. 

• Filial piety was a common Confucian belief that detailed the relationships between different family members (such as father and son, wife and husband). This ideology highlighted the need for family members to subordinate their needs to that of male rulers and kings.

Neo-Confuncianism emerged from 770-840 and was a social and ethical philosophy that grew popular in Chinese-orbit nations (such as Japan and Korea). This was just one factor contributing to the proliferation of sinification during this time period.

• China asserted influence over Japan, Korea and Vietnam to a great extent during the Song dynasty. Chinese way of thought, literature, innovation, and economic practices diffused to these nations.