The idea of the Mandate of Heaven was
A) introduced in the Bhagavad Gita.
B) borrowed from Tibetan nomads in the fifth century B.C.E.
C) introduced by the Zhou dynasty and it served to legitimize its power.
D) contained in the Rites of Mao.
E) a concept that last only a short time in Chinese history.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The idea of the Mandate of Heaven was introduced by the Zhou dynasty and it served to legitimize its power. The concept stated that the ruling dynasty had the divine right to rule as long as they governed justly and upheld good morals. If they failed to do so, it was believed that the mandate would be revoked and a new dynasty would take over. This concept lasted for centuries in Chinese history and influenced political and social beliefs.

The Idea of the Mandate of Heaven Was