The Sui Dynasty - Essay Example

Though the principles of Confucius were respected and followed to some extent in state affairs more emphasis was paid on Buddhism and Taoism. The education system was overhauled. Civil service exams were introduced a long time back during the Han dynasty and during this period, this system was revived.

The economy of China improved due to developments and engineering works such as canals, roads, and cities- which were undertaken on a large scale. Special attention was paid to irrigation and agriculture. The Grand Canal was built to promote speedy communication and transportation between the northern and the southern parts of China. The Great Wall of China was also fortified.

2. The Tang dynasty (618-907)

In 617, the Sui dynasty was overthrown by the Tangs. It promoted Taoism in the religious and social lives of the people. The government was centralized and it managed to rule for about 300 years. Major changes in the political, economic, and social structures were witnessed during this time. Printing was invented and Art and literature flourished.

Arab, Persian, and foreign traders expanded their activities during the eighth century and set up factories at the Canon Delta, Fu Chienn, and Chiang-Su. The government held large areas of land particularly for the breeding of horses for the government officials, and military-agricultural colonies were established along the northern border as a means to protect the frontier.

The Tang dynasty managed to establish peace and stability in the empire and during 715-56 AD, prices were low and merchants could undertake long journeys without the fear of robbery. Transport of luxury goods and grains from the southern parts of China was made easy with the intricate web of highways and the canal system.

This state of wealth and prosperity could not last longer because landholding policies of the government and the affluence of the wealthy began to outbuy the poor. The government conferred gifts in the form of land to its favorite officials and influential persons. The law of ‘equal land allotments’ introduced in 624 ADS by Tang rulers was not followed in the true spirit. However, owning large areas of land promoted agriculture and the use of heavy machinery that yielded splendid crops.

Culture and arts flourished during this period. Education, relaxation with courtesans, and marrying in influential and respectable families were considered as threats achievements of a person. “One of the most notable is the honey defines all social ties.” (Lewis, 2009, p.104)

3. The Song dynasty (960-1279)

This era is characterized by rising in neo-Confucianism and the decline of Buddhism. Bureaucracy extended to religious life. All religious practices needed to be state-approved. Centralized bureaucracy was introduced that replaced regional military government.

Under the Sung dynasty, the development of cities began, not only for administrative purposes but also centers of trade, industry, and maritime commerce… A new group or mercantile class arose as printing and education spread and private trade grew, the economy linking the coastal provinces with the interior. (Lane, 2008, p.224)

Social status was characterized by education. Passing the civil service examination could guarantee a government job. Thus, a scholarly class distinguished itself from the farmers, artisans, merchants, etc. based on their education, mastery of literary culture, and the eligibility to serve for the civil bureaucracy that governed the Chinese Empire.

Thus the three dynasties in their tenure transformed the face of Imperial China and contributed in their way to the political, social, and economical structures of its respective eras.