The document summarizes evidence disproving common Eurocentric myths about civilizations in India, Southeast Asia, and Japan between 1400-1800. It shows these regions had advanced economies, significant international trade, and states that promoted economic growth rather than hindered it as commonly believed. For example, India led the world in industries like cotton, steel, and was highly integrated in global trade networks. Japan also experienced rapid economic growth and urbanization under the Tokugawa shogunate in the 1600s, despite myths of isolationism. The document aims to provide a more well-rounded view that recognizes Eastern achievements rather than only a Eurocentric perspective.

1. The Eastern Origins of Western Civilization Chapter 4 - The East Remains Dominant: the twin myths of oriental despotism and isolationism in India , South-east Asia and Japan , 1400-1800 Class: Periwinkle Central and South Asia John Estrella Alexis Feliciano Kate Heaney

2. The East over the West, 1200-1800 Proof that the East was ahead of Europe in economics, trading, and standard of living

7. Map of the State of Gujarat (including Surat)

9. Goods of the Trade Oil Textiles Rice Pulses Wheat

12. Straits of Melaka/Malacca

13. Cheng-Ho’s Expeditions (1405-33) Cheng Ho’s voyages falsify the assumption that Melaka was only significant after 1511

15. Indian Ocean Trade Routes

16. The myth of Japanese oriental despotism and isolationism: Japan as an ‘early developer’, 1600-1868 Even though Eurocentrics portray Japan as a backwards country, Japanese economic growth rates that were experienced in the post-1868 Meiji period exceeded those of almost all the European economies. Much of the relative ease of the Meiji achievement is now attributed to the start which that the Tokugawa gave it.

18. Japanese Industry: Goods & Professions Textiles Fishing Iron & Metalworking Soy Sauce