What is Song Dynasty?
The Song dynasty was a royal dynasty of China (960 - 1279 CE) that commenced in 960 and remained till 1279. The dynasty was established by Emperor Taizu of Song following his appropriation of the throne of the Later Zhou, terminating the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.
Initially, the song was in struggle with the contemporaneous Liao, Western Xia, and Jin dynasties in northern China. After decades of armed resistance protecting southern China, it was sooner or later conquered by the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty.
The Song dynasty is split into distinct periods: Northern Song and Southern Song. During the Northern Song, the Song capital was in the northern city of Bianjing (now Kaifeng) and the dynasty managed most of what's now Eastern China.
This content is designed to explain the teaching of an imperial China or East Asia unit and the prosperity in Song China.
Who Founded The Song Dynasty?
Emperor Taizu of Song (Life span: 21 March 927 - 14 November 976), surname Zhao Kuangyin, courtesy name Yuanlang, was the originator and first emperor of the Song dynasty of China. He reigned from 960 till his demise in 976.
Formerly a well-known military general of the then Zhou dynasty, Emperor Taizu came to power after staging a coup d'état and forcing Emperor Gong, the ultimate Later Zhou ruler, to abdicate the throne in his favour.
During his rule, the emperor won over the states of Southern Tang, Later Shu, Southern Han, and Jingnan, accordingly reuniting most of China proper and effectively terminating the hectic Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. To reinforce his control, he reduced the power of military generals and relied on civilian officials in the administration. He was prospered by his younger brother, Zhao Kuangyi (Emperor Taizong).
Technology to The Song Dynasty
Emperor Taizu (Zhao Kuangyin) was an army general who conquered several Chinese territories, in effect reunifying China. This resulted in ending the unsteady five dynasties and Ten Kingdoms periods, bringing about the Song dynasty. The dynasty’s land area was substantially smaller than the preceding Tang dynasty because of external influences, inclusive of the Manchurians and Liao. The Song army was weak as compared to other dynasties, as a consequence, their focus became securing areas of central China.
However, leaders were determined to set up Kaifeng as their capital instead of Chang’an. This resolution was a reflection of the dynasty’s situations and goals. The Grand Canal made Kaifeng and later Hangzhou northern, and later southern, Song capitals the perfect fit for those goals. The Song’s focus was on building wealth and social solidarity. Whereas Buddhism was a nonsecular focus during the Tang and early Song dynasties, a resurgence of Confucian ideas in the shape of neo-Confucianism befell during the Song dynasty.
The Reorganisation of China Under The Song Dynasty
The reconstitution of China under the Song dynasty set the stage for the economic boom that propelled Song China into turning into the richest country in the world during the early part of the 11th century. Despite the fact that the dynasty lost northern China to non-Chinese invaders, prosperity endured during the Southern Song dynasty (1127 - 1279 CE). Technological improvements were significant and helped change China and the world.
Just a few of those advancements included improvements in agriculture, development of moveable type, uses for gunpowder, the invention of a mechanical clock, superior shipbuilding, the usage of paper money, compass navigation, and porcelain production. Technological improvements, domestic and international trade, and effective government-inspired and advanced Chinese society, resulting in a population explosion for the duration of the Song dynasty.
Zhao Kuangyin: An Emperor of The Song Dynasty
In 960, Zhao Kuangyin helped rejoin most of China just after the segmentation and insurrection between the descent of the Tang dynasty in 907 and the status of the Song dynasty.
The plan established during Chai Rong's reign was to first defeat the north, then the south. During Emperor Taizu's rule, there was an alternative method. He would conquer all the smaller states including Later Shu, Southern Han, and Southern Tang. The exception was the robust Northern Han in the north at Taiyuan supported by the Khitans of the Liao dynasty. Emperor Taizu's strategy was to earliest take the southern territories because the south was more delicate than the north as the Liao dynasty supported Northern Han.
In 968, Emperor Taizu individually led the army against the Northern Han. At first, his forces tore through the defenses and positioned Taiyuan beneath siege, however, was ultimately compelled to retreat after he struck towards the defenses of the Northern Han with the Liao cavalry coming in to support.
Emperor Taizu set up the elemental Song Ancestor Rules and Policy for the later Song emperors. He was commemorated for his spread of the imperial examination system such that most of the civil carriers were recruited through the exams (in evaluation to the Tang wherein less than 10% of the civil servants came through exams). He additionally created academies that allowed a first-rate deal of freedom of discussion and thought, which facilitated the growth of scientific advances, economic reforms as well as achievements in arts and literature.
Emperor Taizu is widely recognised for bringing the power of the military under control, ending the era of the warlords, and stopping anyone else rising to power as he did. Upon becoming emperor, he invited the general officers to a lavish banquet, wherein he convinced them all to retire as military leaders, in favour of enjoying significant estates and generous retirement funds and advantages which he then offered them.
Prosperity in The Song China
At some moment during the feast, the new emperor gave a speech to the military officers congregated there, which he started by expressing his deep gratitude to each and all of them for placing him at the throne, and that now that he had the power to do so, he wished to praise them to the greatest of his ability.
Furthermore, he went on to say that he perceived the present organisation might all understand that he couldn't feel comfortable on his new throne, with them continuing command in their numerous armies of troops: and, he said, that if they regarded the consequences of the matter, neither would they.
He then sincerely pledged that they and their families would stay in happiness and harmony if they offer to retire with the stated advantages: eventually, none of the generals refused his terms, and as a consequence began a duration of relative internal peace in the realm all through the Song dynasty which he as a consequence founded, additionally higher securing the military forces for participation with the rival surrounding empires.
Many Song and later sources record the story of the "Taizu's Oath", which prohibited his descendant from killing scholar-officials. However, this story is probably a later construct.
Highlights on The Song Dynasty
Below are the interesting facts about the Song Empire:
Taizu stands out as an emperor who fostered science, academics and education in Arts and Literature.
The Song population doubled in 150 years, i.e The overall population rose from 50 million at the beginning to about 118 million 167 years later in the year 1127.
The Song Dynasty led the world in literacy, wealth, art, and education.
The Song Dynasty was the most strengthening for the Mongols to defeat.
Conclusion
Thus, in this article we have covered major and important information about the Song Dynasty. It was said to be developed in today's China. This dynasty was said to be divided into two parts i.e the Northern Song as well as the Southern Song and was said to be succeeded by the Yuan Dynasty.
FAQs on The Song Dynasty
1. Who founded the Song Dynasty and when did it rule?
The Song Dynasty was founded by Emperor Taizu in 960 CE (AD). The dynasty ruled over China for more than three centuries, ending in 1279 CE. Its history is divided into two major periods: the Northern Song (960–1127) and the Southern Song (1127–1279).
2. What were the capitals of the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties?
The capital of the Northern Song Dynasty was Bianjing (modern-day Kaifeng). After losing control of the north, the court relocated and established a new capital at Lin'an (modern-day Hangzhou) for the Southern Song Dynasty, marking a significant shift in the dynasty's political and geographic focus.
3. What are the key differences between the Northern and Southern Song periods?
The primary difference lies in their geographical control and strategic focus following the invasion by the Jurchens.
- Territory: The Northern Song controlled most of inner China. The Southern Song was confined to the region south of the Huai River.
- Capital: The Northern Song's capital was the northern political centre of Bianjing, while the Southern Song's capital was the prosperous southern commercial hub of Lin'an.
- Economic and Military Focus: The Southern Song period saw a greater emphasis on maritime trade, naval technology, and the development of new trading cities to sustain its economy and defend its territories.
4. What major technological and scientific innovations is the Song Dynasty known for?
The Song Dynasty was an era of extraordinary invention and refinement. Some of the most important innovations include:
- Movable Type Printing: The invention of the world's first movable type press, which revolutionised the dissemination of knowledge.
- Gunpowder Formulas: The chemical formula for gunpowder was perfected for military applications, leading to the creation of fire lances, bombs, and cannons.
- Magnetic Compass for Navigation: The perfection of the magnetic compass made it a reliable tool for maritime navigation, boosting sea trade.
- Paper Money: The government introduced the world's first state-issued paper currency, which greatly facilitated large-scale commerce.
5. Why is the Song Dynasty often described as a 'golden age' in Chinese history?
The Song Dynasty is considered a 'golden age' due to its immense economic prosperity, sophisticated culture, and profound technological advancements. During this time, China possessed the world's largest economy, a flourishing of arts and philosophy, and a highly urbanised society. The rise of intellectual movements like Neo-Confucianism and the widespread availability of printed books contributed to a highly educated and refined society, setting a benchmark for centuries to come.
6. How did the Song Dynasty's economic policies contribute to its prosperity?
The Song Dynasty's economic prosperity was driven by highly advanced state policies. The state's decision to issue the world's first paper money (known as 'Jiaozi' and 'Huizi') was revolutionary, as it replaced heavy coins and made large-scale trade more efficient. This policy, combined with state support for agriculture, manufacturing (especially silk and porcelain), and a vast network of canals and ports for trade, created a vibrant market economy that was the most advanced in the world during its time.
7. What led to the fall of the Song Dynasty?
The fall of the Song Dynasty was caused by a combination of internal weaknesses and overwhelming external military pressure.
- Internal Factors: The government struggled with huge expenses for its military and bureaucracy, alongside political infighting among court officials, which weakened its ability to respond to threats.
- External Invasions: The ultimate cause was invasion by powerful northern neighbours. The Northern Song fell to the Jurchen-led Jin dynasty in 1127. The surviving Southern Song state endured for another century and a half before it was finally conquered by the Mongol Empire under Kublai Khan in 1279, which then established the Yuan Dynasty.
