More areas of Japan gradually came under control of the emperor, but there were struggles for influence in the imperial court. The Buddhist religion became a popular force and Buddhist priests aimed for powerful positions. During this period, the T̄odai-ji Buddhist temple was built at Nara, housing the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, completed in 751 (see SOURCE 3 ). Noble families like the Fujiwara also vied for power, presenting challenges to the emperor’s authority. By the eighth century, Nara had grown into a strong urban centre of about 200 000 people, with a taxation system, many roads and bustling commerce. Outside the capital, most people still lived in farming villages. In the seventh century, there was an attempt at land reform based on a Chinese model. Land was to be distributed to peasant farmers and could not be inherited. Upon the farmer’s death, the land would revert to the state for reallocation. This system was
SOURCE3 The 15-metre-high Great Buddha of Nara, completed in 751, indicates the influence of Buddhism in the Japanese Classical period.
gradually abandoned in the eighth century as emperors granted lands to family, friends and loyal officials. Over time, these estates grew, with wealthy nobles gaining great wealth and power, while peasant farmers worked the land and paid taxes to landlords. Religion and philosophy Shint̄o Shint̄o, often referred to as Japan’s ‘native’ religion, focuses on cleansing rites for individuals or communities. It is polytheistic, governed by kami — supernatural beings with specific characteristics that inhabit all things (see TABLE1 ).
SOURCE4 A torii gateway and stone kitsune (mythical foxes who could shapeshift and held great wisdom). These gateways were found at the entrance to many Shint̄o shrines and symbolically mark the start of a sacred space.
TOPIC9 Japan under the sh̄oguns 217
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator