The Han Dynasty ruled China for four centuries. Split into two timelines, the Former Han or Western Han that ruled from 206 BC to 9 AD and Latter Han or Eastern Han that ruled from 25 AD to 220 AD, they heralded the golden age in ancient China. The four hundred years of Han rule were the most prosperous of the time and some of the amazing Han Dynasty major accomplishments paved the way for fascinating developments well into the future. Some of the tenets established then are still relevant today, not just in China but across the world. Here are some Han Dynasty major accomplishments.
1. The Han Were Dedicated to Agriculture.
At a time when Greeks were obsessed with philosophy and Indians were pioneering natural sciences, the Han made its own steadfast progress in agriculture. They developed farming tools that increased the yields exponentially, made farming easier and the resulting revenues surged for the ordinary farmers and for the kingdom. Water conservation and irrigation systems were championed during the time. Farming efficiency was at its finest during the Han reign. The only instance of such efficiency is recorded in the much older Mohenjo-Daro and Indus Valley civilizations where well planned drainage systems, public baths and fascinating city planning were on display.
2. Heavily Inclined to Further the Use of Technology in All Aspects of Life.
During the reign, the old paper that was thick, uneven and not so user friendly made way for thinner and more flexible paper. The new paper was made from hemp fibers. It became cheaper, much more durable and also lighter. It made writing phenomenally easy and that is proven in the fact that more written accounts of history date to that era than before. Poets and writers found it convenient to use the new paper which also led to a surge in literature.
3. Focused on Basic Education and Institutionalized State Sponsored Education.
There was a state academy where individuals would get trained to cater to state services. An exam was put in place to find the best potential recruits for official posts. The promotion based on merit and the selection systems were the earliest instances in China of assessing academic prowess and prioritizing it over references or influence of any sort.
4. The Sundial was Invented During the Han Dynasty.
It was one of the most prosperous times, not just economically but also for literature, social and moral values, the ethos of politics and general quality of life.