Champa Rice
Definition
Champa rice is a quick-maturing, drought-resistant rice that can allow two harvests, of sixty days each in one growing season.
Analogy
Champa Rice is like a super productive employee who not only finishes their work quickly but also delivers high-quality results. Just as this employee would be highly valued in a company, Champa Rice was highly valued in societies because it could grow quickly and provide more food.
Historical Context
Champa rice, a fast-maturing, drought-resistant variety of rice, originates from the Champa Kingdom in present-day Vietnam. It was introduced to China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) as a diplomatic gift. The exchange occurred amidst increasing interactions between Southeast Asian states and China, fueled by burgeoning maritime trade and political alliances.Historical Significance
The introduction of Champa rice significantly boosted agricultural productivity in China, particularly in its southern provinces where the growing season could accommodate multiple harvests each year. This agricultural innovation contributed to a population boom, underpinning economic growth and urbanization during the Song Dynasty. It also exemplified the transformative impact of cross-cultural exchanges along trade routes in pre-modern Asia.Related terms
Agricultural Revolution: The transformation of human societies from hunting and gathering to farming.
Paddy Field: A flooded parcel of arable land used for growing semiaquatic crops, most notably rice and taro.
Double Cropping: Harvesting two crops in the same field during a single year.
"Champa Rice" appears in:
Study guides (3)
Practice Questions (2)
- Where did Champa rice originate?
- What was a major effect of the Champa rice cultivation in China during 1200-1450?
Resources
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