Modern Asia
A:
There are many myths to explain the origin of the Chinese lanterns, but one that sticks out the most is that they represent Buddha's power to dispel darkness. The story goes that during the first century, Emperor Mingdi sent a scholar to India for Buddhist scriptures and, upon the scholar's return, the Emperor had a temple built to house the scriptures. He had lanterns displayed to keep the darkness away.
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Q: Why Did Shah Jahan Build the Taj Mahal?
A: Mughal emperor Shah Jahan constructed the Taj Mahal from 1632 until 1654 as a monument and mausoleum for his wife, Arjumand Banu Begum, also known as Mumtaz Mahal. In 2005, former Indian Bharatiya Janata Party official Vinay Katiyar claimed the building was a Hindu temple to Shiva built by Raja Jai Singh, and that the mausoleum is called Tejo Mai Mahal. The party quickly distanced itself from Katiyar's controversial claim. -
Q: What Is the Eruption History of Mount Fuji?
A: The first recorded eruption of Mount Fuji occurred in the year 781, and it has erupted 16 times since then, with the last recorded eruption occurring in 1707. Mount Fuji is currently classified as dormant, but eruption is possible again at some point in the future. Currently, the volcano exhibits no signs of activity, so tourists and hikers routinely visit the peak. -
Q: When Did Japan Become a Nation?
A: Japan's birth as a nation, depending on the definition of nation used, could be as dated 10,000 years ago, when a hunter-gatherer society called the Jamon developed. Its birth date also could be identified as 710 A.D., when the first strong central government developed in Nara. -
Q: What Is the Meaning of the Hinduism Symbol?
A: There are many symbols in the Hindu religion that represent its teachings and gods. Hand and body symbols are called "mudras." Icon symbols are called "murti." -
Q: Why Is Korea Called the Hermit Kingdom?
A: Strict isolationist policies in Korea have earned it the nickname of the Hermit Kingdom. Those policies were first implemented when the Joseon Dynasty of Korea (1392 A.D. - 1897 A.D.), also known as the Choson Dynasty, was invaded on numerous occasions during the 16th and 17th centuries. -
Q: How Did Gandhi Gain Independence for India?
A: Mohandas Gandhi used nonviolent civil disobedience during a campaign in 1930 and 1931 to pave the way for Indian independence. His efforts started with the Salt March, which undermined British authority and gave Indians a sense of national solidarity. -
Q: What Is Mother Teresa's Greatest Achievement?
A: Mother Teresa's greatest achievement was the founding of the Missionaries of Charity, an order of nuns dedicated to alleviating the suffering of the poor. Established in 1950 in Calcutta, India, it has grown from its initial 12 members to more than 4,000 worldwide. She was declared a saint in 2016 for her work, and for the miracles attributed to her, by the Catholic church. -
Q: What Is the Former Name of Cambodia?
A: The former name of Cambodia was "Kampuchea," a name the Khmer people of Southeast Asia called their nation for centuries, according to Asia Travel. The English name for the country, Cambodia, is an adaptation of "Kampuja." -
Q: Who Is the Current Prime Minister of China?
A: The Chinese prime minister, known as Premier, is Li Keqiang. Born in 1955 in Anhui province, he was 57 years old when he was elected in 2013. He is the son of a local official. -
Q: When Did Hong Kong Become Independent?
A: The Encyclopædia Britannica states that Hong Kong is not an independent state but a special administrative region under Chinese control. The British returned Hong Kong to China on July 1, 1997. -
Q: What Do Chinese Lanterns Symbolize?
A: There are many myths to explain the origin of the Chinese lanterns, but one that sticks out the most is that they represent Buddha's power to dispel darkness. The story goes that during the first century, Emperor Mingdi sent a scholar to India for Buddhist scriptures and, upon the scholar's return, the Emperor had a temple built to house the scriptures. He had lanterns displayed to keep the darkness away. -
Q: What Were the After Effects of the Korean War?
A: The most noticeable after effects of the Korean War include rising tension during the Cold War, human casualties and the division of families due to the war. The Korean War was fought by North and South Korea from 1950-1953. Both sides had support from other countries. -
Q: Who Is Li Peng?
A: Li Peng is a retired politician. He served as the fourth premier of the People's Republic of China from 1988 to 1998. He was also chairman of the Standing Committee within the National People's Congress from 1998 to 2003. -
Q: What Are Mao Zedong's Accomplishments?
A: A controversial figure in Chinese history, Mao Zedong founded the People's Republic of China, transforming the nation into a socialist state and nationalizing industry and business under the government while implementing socialist reforms. His ideology, a combination of Marxist-Leninist thought and his political and military policies, is referred to under the collective umbrella of Maoism. He's praised for modernizing China and criticized for being a dictator who violated human rights. -
Q: How Did Confucianism Impact China?
A: Confucianism impacted China by teaching social values and transcendent concepts, and by establishing institutions such as churches, schools and state buildings. Confucianism, in the most basic sense, classifies as a religion. However, historians consider Confucianism a civil religion, as its teachings and concepts touch on all aspects of society and life, carried out through rules, laws and codes. -
Q: What Does the Japanese Flag Symbolize?
A: The Japanese flag symbolizes a rising sun. The official name of the flag is Nisshoki, which means "sun marked flag." The red circle on the flag is called Hinomaru or "circle of the sun." Scholars believe the flag has existed in some form since the 12th century, though it did not become the de facto flag until 1870 and was not legally adopted as the national flag until 1999, the same year Japan's national anthem became official. . -
Q: Who Passed the Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act?
A: The Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act was passed by the East India Company in 1856. The East India Company was a colonial government composed of British merchants. The company ruled in India from 1757 to 1858. -
Q: How Did Mahatma Gandhi Become Famous?
A: Mahatma Gandhi became famous for his adherence to nonviolent principles during his protests against the British Empire. His method of civil disobedience would later influence other movements around the world. -
Q: Who Was Apolinario Mabini?
A: Apolinario Mabini was a Filipino political philosopher, revolutionary and political adviser. He was born in 1864, and in 1896, both his legs became physically disabled from polio. -
Q: Who Controlled Most of Asia From 1880 to World War I?
A: Between 1880 and the beginning of World War I, the European imperial powers controlled most of Asia directly or through treaty. Britain was especially successful, controlling all of India, large parts of the rest of Southeast Asia and most of China. -
Q: What Is the Significance of Oda Nobunaga?
A: Oda Nobunaga was a Japanese warrior and member of the Fujiwara family. He is known for his overthrow of the Ashikaga shogunate and for uniting half of Japan's provinces under his rule. This ended a long period of feudal wars and laid the groundwork for the unification of the country.