Song dynasty: political, cultural, and economic developments

Song dynasty refers to period in the history of China spread over the span of 300+ years. This period lasts from 960 to 1279 (Kuiper). In the history of China, the Song Dynasty enjoys special portion of eminence. The uncountable inventions made this era to be named as China's Age of Invention (Benn). The paper tends to explore it from various angels and aspects. The objective of paper is to give the reader a fair idea about the achievements and shortcomings of the Song Dynasty and compare it with other dynasties to see the possible causes of rank at which the Song Dynasty is placed.

Before going into the details of the Dynasty, it is important to mention that the period between 10th to 13th centuries was the period when human race was developing and exploring the earth resources for betterment of lifestyle. It was the time, when civilizations were developed to get their identity. During this period, many discoveries were made which paved way for technological revolution in later years (Benn).

The next section elaborates the various aspects of the Song Dynasty.

Economy of Song Dynasty

The economy of the Song Dynasty appears explain the most historic events that took place in China. The most important one of them was introduction of paper money in China (Hansin, Curtis and Curtis). It was the first paper currency of the world. It is interesting to mention that there was a time in the world's history when there was nothing like medium of exchange and all trade activities were carried out using the commodities of trade. The concept of barter trade was in practice and the primary source of determining the value of commodities was the volume of its supply and the power of its owner.

Gradually, the developments led to invention of gold and silver coins which were used as medium of exchange for quite a long period in the history. The next development was of currency notes. It was a piece of paper having endorsement of state that exalted its value and was issued against the gold reserves in the country.

The introduction of paper notes as money was to facilitate exchange transactions. It was the major breakthrough in the field of economies and all the generation of future adopted it as well (Hansin, Curtis and Curtis). Even in this era of globalization in the 21st century, currency notes prevail and no substitute has been in force for them.

In can be argued that credit cards and debit cards are acting as substitute of cash and their use is increasing as well, yet there are many outlets, which deal in paper note only. There is not a single outlet that deals in credit cards only. Facility to use credit card is offered as an added feature while paper note is still the primary medium of exchange.

Politics and Military of The Song Dynasty

The Song Dynasty was historic from other perspectives of culture, politics and military developments as well. It was the first time that the state officials conceived and implemented the idea of establishing permanent navy and operating it on standby basis (Lee). It was an important development at that time when the law and order was quite different and troops were in the search of any piece of land which they can invade and form their rule over it. It is interesting to mention that all the dynasties were formed the same way. The explorers were in search of attractive land and in love of power which forced them to have battle with the present rulers at that time. Whoever won the battle, took the charge of that very area. Expansions in the state boundaries were done the same way. There have been uncountable conflicts between the neighboring countries which finally led them to break a war either to rule other or to be ruled by others.

As mentioned earlier, it was the time when many discoveries were made; hence the Song Dynasty thought of securing their sea routes and established a permanent force there. The established force was used to serve multi-purposes of safeguarding the sea boundaries, protecting the sea resources and serving as a threat to the invaders planning to invade through sea routes. It showed the aggression of the Song Dynasty that they wanted to protect their powers. It can be said that this initiative was to protect the state. In both ways, it appeared as a logical action.

The Song Dynasty made other developments in military field. They introduced the use of gunpowder to defeat the enemies (Deng). It is interesting to mention that many developments in the field of military were made at the verges of the Song Dynasty. When they took over China, they were in the need to strengthen their power, hence they tool special measures. Later on, when their rule was threatened by the dynasties and rulers, they devised certain strategies in self-defense. The middle period of Song Dynasty was comparably less significant in terms of developments. This gap divided the Song Dynasty into the Northern and the Southern Song Dynasty. The Northern Song Dynasty refers to the initial period of the Song Dynasty while Southern Dynasty referred to the later period (Li). The Northern Dynasty was formed by a military general named as Zhao Kuangyin (Li) The last emperor of the Northern Dynasty became the founder of the Southern Dynasty.

As the military developments were carried out, political relations were reshaped. The military developments threatened many other invaders and invited the cooperation of few others who wanted to enjoy the power on international platform using its connections with Song Dynasty.

Culture of The Song Dynasty

The Song Dynasty was rich in art, culture and tradition. There were uncountable new creations which impressed the whole world. One of the most beautiful creations was the Rainbow Bridge (Schirokauer and Brown). It was named keeping in view its shape. It was bent like the rainbow colors and attracted the attention of visitors as well as bridge designers for centuries. The tomb figure was also introduced by the Song Dynasty in architecture (Kuiper). The famous poets of Song Dynasty are Su Shi, Ouyang Xiu, Zhuxi and Sima Guang (Levine).

In the Song dynasty, the population was doubled and many people were actively engaged in activities of commerce and cultural promotion.

Policy Differences between the Song Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty

The Tang Dynasty is referred to the period of 618 -- 907 (Benn). It was before the Song Dynasty and was considered as one of the most glorious dynasties in China. The similarity between the Song Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty is found in the fact that both made dedicated efforts to the development of China. The culture promotion was as its peak and the achievements of the Song Dynasty were often attributed to the continuation of the Tang Dynasty. However, there were certain areas in which Song Dynasty differed from the Tang Dynasty.

As mentioned earlier, The Song Dynasty was focused on development and new methods of government and military operations, they introduced a new policy to appoint state officials. Before the Song Dynasty, every official was dependent upon court and he was qualified in the common writing language which was in place for more than 20 centuries in China. The Song Dynasty promoted the new test which was based on Neo-Confucian. The Song Dynasty was in the favor of testing the knowledge and capabilities of state officials through their knowledge of modern text and tools. They assumed strong relationship between the capability of newly hired official and the knowledge of new texts. It discouraged many state officials who did not know the new texts. Furthermore, introducing altogether a new strategy for appointment was not welcomed by people. There is no debate about efficacy of this system in this paper; however, it is mandatory to mention that this system was introduced to elevate the level of state officials and make them unbeatable by the competitors. However, this policy emerged as the main difference between the Tang Dynasty and the Song Dynasty.

The Tang Dynasty, though had lost power in China, yet was determined to beat the Song Dynasty. The major conflict was in the field of trade promotion through the Silk Route which was the achievement of the Tang Dynasty.

Another major difference between the Tang Dynasty and the Song Dynasty was on the basis of interpretation of old concepts and philosophies in a novel manner. As the developments took place, the paradigm shift was made and the old concepts were transformed to develop the new methods and practices. It is commonly understood that changes are resisted by people. The Tang Dynasty had enjoyed long period of fame in China, the new Song Dynasty changed many of its philosophies altogether which was an undesired situation for the remaining members of the Tang Dynasty.

The Song Dynasty and Technological Advancements

The Song Dynasty was focused on development so much so that it explored the field of technology as well. The Dynasty had the goal of changing life style of the people, bringing economic revolution and using technology for the betterment for people. It was the target oriented approach while led the emperors individually focus on industries and devise plans for advancement of all of them. In the Song Dynasty, the technology was introduced in handicrafts industry which not only promoted the Chinese culture but also gave the people involved in this industry, a new idea to establish their business upon. Furthermore, the introduction of paper currency helped paper ease transactions. Consequently, the trade activities were multiplied and there was the high trend of entrepreneurship and adaption of technology.

The Tang Dynasty ruled much larger area as compared to the Song Dynasty. Song Dynasty took over only one part of the Tang Dynasty which was prosperous and many development projects were started there. The Song Dynasty continued the projects with zeal and zest of the Tang Dynasty.

Literature of the Song Dynasty

As mentioned earlier, the Song Dynasty was rich in innovations and it promoted the new texts and scripts at official level as well. Another major contribution of the Song Dynasty in the field of literature is related to transformation of old ideas into modern approaches. It was a big change in the system of government and state affairs which laid the foundation of a new regime of development.

If the present conditions of China are analyzed, it becomes evident that China has made wonders in many fields like construction, medical science, trade, industry, education and manufacturing. The roots of all these developments can be found in the period of the Song Dynasty when new concepts were emerging. Chinese construction industry is one of the leading industries in the world which has track records of completing the highest buildings in the least possible time, using pre-fabricated material. It is interesting to relate the modern construction industry with the one present in the Song Dynasty. The Rainbow Bridge was admired by Marco Polo, who was a tourist and had been to many areas of the world. He never saw such a unique bridge anywhere else. The creativity of Chinese builders fascinated him a lot. The Song Dynasty was well aware of the significance of their initiatives and they had judged the potential of their people, hence they exalted them and provide state level support to unleash their potential.

Another important example that can be related to the Song Dynasty is about herbal medicine. The Chinese medical practitioners have established repute all over the world and Chine universities are offering scholarships to the students from all over the world to learn herbal medicine there. It is interesting to mention that in this era of 21se century, when everything is going digital, China is successful in retaining its competitive edge in the field of traditional herbal medicines whose roots are deeply buried in the old period of human advancement.

The literature of the Song Dynasty is not limited to the professional fields only. As evident from the discussion that Song Dynasty went out of the way to promote its culture and exalt the poets and other creative thinkers, the Chinese proverbs are still alive in the literature and serving as guidelines for the people of all ages.

The Song Dynasty enjoys highest portion of eminence when it comes to the discussion of modern changes taking place in China. There had to be a Dynasty which could conceive the need of change at that stage to equip China with the requirements of present modern world's industry. It was the Song Dynasty which has no prejudice to change and had to wish to oppress the people just to enjoy its power. It was a great act of the Song Dynasty which made it favorite among all dynasties and for the generations to come.

The Chinese literature is evident that they are peaceful nations and they were in peaceful terms with the hostile dynasties of Jin and Liao. The literature also supports the view that once the dynasties established themselves in Chinese traditions, they were no more hostile. The present situation of China is still in harmony with this old concept. China is not supposed to be involved in hostile attacks like spreading disturbance in oil rich countries and exploiting their basic rights. China is characterized with strong focus on its development and exalting its own level rather than crushing the competitor. This cooperative approach leads China to the roads of development and there are many countries in the modern 21st century which feel pride in having their connections with China.

Oppression of The Song Dynasty by Other Countries

The Song Dynasty made many achievements in economic, military and cultural fields, yet there were many countries that oppressed it. The most prominent named among oppressors were Jin and Liao. They criticized the Song Dynasty despite the fact that it had high GDP, the education level was exalted and lifestyle was flourishing.

Jin was one of the opponents of the Sing Dynasty and it was in the search of an opportunity to invade the Song Dynasty. The invasion activities had stated in the Northern Dynasty. Jin was in direct battle with the emperors of the Northern Dynasty. When he succeeded in ending the Northern dynasty, and exclude the Song Dynasty from Kaifeng, which was the capital of the Northern Dynasty (Li), as a measure of self-defense and regain his lost power, the last emperor of the Northern Dynasty established the new Dynasty named as the Southern Dynasty in Hangzhou (Li).

The Liao Empire existed in the same period as the Song Dynasty and Jin Empire. In fact, Liao dynasty was the one who opposed the Song dynasty and invaded it to establish its own rule in the Northern Dynasty. At the same time, Jin Empire was also in the quest to under rule the Song Dynasty. The Song Dynasty could not defeat both of them, hence the Northern Dynasty was ended and the Southern dynasty was created. Later on, the Song Dynasty joined hands with the Liao Dynasty to crush the power of the Din Dynasty.

The Din Dynasty and the Liao Dynasty both oppressed the Song Dynasty to a great extend. The Liao Dynasty did not belong to China in its past generations. They were invaders from East and Middle Asia and had penetrated in China to show their power in China and crush the military power established by the Song Dynasty. The invasion in China was out of anger that the Song Dynasty had not helped them in their previous attacks to other countries.