5-History Project Reflections

After doing this project, I have a deeper understanding of what teamwork is all about. Teamwork is about help each other in each of their part. Although during the project, we had some arguments or fights that affected the team spirit but it does not made us forgets what is important then. So we continued with our project as if nothing had happened. I have learnt many interesting facts about Ancient India, China & Southeast Asia, which helps broaden my knowledge.

Some parts of the project may be easy, especially the PowerPoint presentation as it is one of my specialty. The way that the project was carried out is needed to be improved. Even though our work were not as well as we expected, we scored quite high for the project. Our research was good, but it could improve. Our model was not so well, as the ancient elephant sculpture was painted white, tusks painted pink, has no legs. Our porcelain bowl was not as perfect either as it was made mainly out of blue-tack and it was painted during the last minute of preparation.

One thing that made me feel very bad during the project is when we are having our lunch. Kendrick, Johannes and I were enjoying our meal when Amir had to starve. We even ate in front of him then I remembered he was fasting. We apologised to him but he did not mind. He is a good partner to work with. I hope to work with my members (Kendrick, Amir and Johannes) again if we have a chance to do another group project.

4-Reflection on religions and philosophies

1. In a country like Singapore which is multi-religious, what are the possible challenges we might face? How can we overcome these challenges?

We might face religious riots if the mutli-religious issues are not managed delicately, forcing people to convert to a certain religion. We might face violence, no peace and harmony in our society. People should respect each other's religions, beliefs and not mock their doings, learn and understand other religions so there won't be any misunderstanding or misconceptions.

2. How was religions and philosophies important to the people of the ancient civilisations?

The people didn't understand why some things happen so they need the help of God/Gods so that they could understand better. The way they live, and do things that are essential for survival. Therefore, affecting almost the whole world.

1-Reflections on Indus Valley Civilisation

The Indus Valley Civilisation was found in BCE 2500.

Well-planned city by an efficient government provided:
-Citadel. Shelter against foreign enemies.

-Drainage System. Brought water to houses and carried waste material away.

-Granary. Food stored for future consumption.

Occupations:
The Indus people worked as:

-Priests who carry out religious rituals in The Great Bath.

-Craftsmen who create pottery and bronze tools.

-Farmers who grow crops and produce food.

-Traders who sell as well as purchase products from other regions.

Seals found indicated that the Indus Valley people :

-Had a uniform writing system.

-Used seals for trade.

Reflections

-The Indus Valley civilisation were very advanced and very efficient in doing things.
-The government was very well-planned and the system of efficient government.

-The Indus people were very religious as they had a large bath just for religious bathing.
-The Indus script is very unique and until today, no one can decipher the Indus script.

3-Comparison of the governments and societies of ancient civilisations

1. What were the similarities between the government & society of the 3 ancient civilisations?

Government: Divine Kingship-People in ancient India believed that god gave the kings the right to rule. People in ancient China believed that the heaven wanted people to be ruled wisely and justly (Mandate of Heaven).Kings of ancient Southeast Asia saw themselves as divine rulers.
The kings ruled at the capital cities-The king's palace was located at the capital city in ancient India. The king in ancient China only controlled a small area around his capital. The capital city was directly ruled a sultan (Malay word for king).

Society: Centralised rule-Ancient India separate their people from Class System (Varnas) into Caste System (Jatis).Ancient China separate their people by Class System. Ancient Southeast Asia separates their people by Basic Classes.

2. What were the differences between the government and society of the 3 ancient civilisations?

Government: Method of selecting civil servants-Ancient China chose their civil servants based on abilities (meritocracy), while ancient India determined civil servants based on Caste while ancient Southeast Asia determined civil servants based on their wealth.

Society: Name of centralised rule-Ancient China uses Class System, ancient India uses Caste System and ancient Southeast Asia uses Basic Classes.
Number of concentric circles-Ancient China had 2(Capital and Provinces), ancient India had 4(Capital, Inner Provinces, Outer Provinces and Border zone) and ancient Southeast Asia had 3 (Capital, Provinces and Vassal states).

3. How similar or different are their systems with Singapore’s?

Similarities: Have government, uses legalism and have a leader

Differences: The 3 ancient civilisations were ruled by kings or emperor while Singapore is led by President or the Prime Minister. Singapore people have the rights to choose their own jobs but the people in the 3 ancient civilisations have to take the job determined by the centralised rule.

2-Reflections on Shang Civilisation

1. What are the important Factors Leading to the Rise of the Shang Dynasty?

-The loess (fine soil) on the Yellow River, which makes the plains fertile and suitable for farming, allows the growth of many villages which led to the rise of the Shang dynasty.
-A citadel was built with a large fort to shelter people from attacks on the city. The cities were well run; well planned, with a system of streets and separate areas for workers and rulers. Temples and storage houses for food - a granary, were built at the capital. The granary store grains like wheat, barley and oat.
-The Shang king had great power. He was believed to have the power to rule from heaven because he was the son of the Heavenly god.
-Majority of the Shang people were farmers. They grew millet, barley, wheat, rice and hemp. The Shang were also skilled craftsmen who were good at bronze casting, pottery making and silk making. The silk was then traded with other traders from other parts of India, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
-The Shang writing system had more than 3000 characters. They are called pictographic writing or pictograms. Pictograms can be seen on bronze vessels and oracle bones. The writing then became the Chinese characters used today.
-The Shang Dynasty was also known as the Bronze Age of China. The Shang people were skilled craftsmen in bronze casting. Advanced technologies were then used to make weapons, wine cups and jars.

2. What are the factors which lead to the Downfall of the Shang Dynasty?

-Constant wars that the Shang kings fought.
-The last Shang king was killed; he probably had no children to take over his throne. Therefore, the Shang dynasty ended as nobody in the same family could rule the place.
-When the Shang army was weakened as they won the fight with the Shantung province in the east, the neighbouring state of Zhou quickly seized the chance to attack the Shang.
-The Zhous defeated the Shang and established the Western Zhou Dynasty.