In the period between 1000 and 1400 CE, the Afro-Eurasian world witnessed more connections than ever before. Regions such as Europe, the Middle East, China and India developed solid identities separate from one another. This led to the initiation of the process known as globalization today. However, these societies differed in the way they interacted with each other. This paper discusses the difference between the European and Indian culture, how the two reacted to outsiders and their readiness to absorb other cultures.
India and Africa embraced exchange and diversity while other regions like Europe and China had sharp differences between themselves and with the outsiders. As Africa developed its trade sea routes, the Middle East and South Asia developed too as a land regions that became the crossroads of Afro-Eurasian trade. South Asia , as a trade crossroad, united diverse people and was invaded by Muslims beginning in 1000CE. It acquired the name India around this time. Traders were always eager to learn and assimilate the Indian culture. India has been historically absorbing invaders ways into its own culture, resulting to a mosaic of different traditions. This makes India the most diverse society globally. Religions, clothes, social structures and language merged or co-existed.
Unlike other India, Europe was not into trade. Europe was united under Roman Empire though its local weaker kingdoms took over when the empire collapsed. Its economic structure was slightly above slavery where peasants would work as agricultural laborers under the control of lords; who took part of their produce and regulated their lives. This, accompanied by new, stronger agricultural implements led to an agricultural revolution. The surplus produce helped Western and Northern Europe enter the Afro-Eurasian system.
Unlike India, Europe was dominated by Catholic church in all aspects of life. Church controlled people’s lives and wealth. The Catholic Europe was very hostile to the Muslims, Jews and others that did not embrace the church. Since there was no trade activities in Northern and Western parts, no diverse society developed there. There was a great respect for nuns and monks and other religious learning that they pursued.
