Interdisciplinary Studies of Chu 楚 Culture in Warring States Periodof Ancient China - Focusing on its Relation with the Central Plains(Zhongyuan中原) -

The research on the essence of Chu 楚culture and Chuci 楚辞（the Songs of Chu)literature in the Warring States period of ancient China was made through the following three directions: research on literature handed down from ancient times; research onexcavated documents; and research using new methods such as Chinese phonology, quantitative analysis. In conclusion: in the Spring and Autumn period Chu Zhuangwang楚荘王 failed to usurp the throne of Zhou 周dynasty and defeat inWu-Chu呉楚 war triggered the composition of Tianwen 天問 as an admonition to the duke of Chu. Then the Qu 屈 family who were hereditary shamans handed this down, and wrote Chuci poems such as Lisao 離騒, which led to the advent of Jiaosige 郊祀歌as the hymns that praised the divine reign of the Han 漢dynasty.