1.3 - Developments in South and Southeast Asia

Political Structures in South Asia

• Historical Context: South Asia was rarely united. After the Gupta Dynasty collapsed in 550 CE, the region experienced long periods of disunity.

• Cultural Unity: Despite political fragmentation, Hinduism provided a cultural unity across the region.

Southern India

• Chola Dynasty (850-1267 CE): Stable and powerful, extending control to Ceylon (Sri Lanka).

• Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE): Founded by two brothers, Harihara and Bukka, who reverted from Islam to Hinduism. The empire fell to Muslim kingdoms in the mid-1500s.

Northern India

• Rajput Kingdoms: Formed after the Gupta Empire's fall, these Hindu kingdoms were frequently at war with each other, preventing centralization.

• Islamic Invasions:

  • 8th Century: Islamic armies invaded present-day Pakistan with limited impact.

  • 11th Century: Islamic forces plundered Hindu and Buddhist sites.

  • 13th Century: The Delhi Sultanate was established, ruling northern India for 300 years, imposing a tax (jizya) on non-Muslims.

Religion in South Asia

• Hinduism vs. Islam:

  • Hindus worship many gods; Islam is monotheistic.

  • Hindu temples are rich in deities' images; Islam forbids such depictions.

  • Hinduism has a caste system; Islam promotes equality among believers.

  • Hinduism has multiple sacred texts; Islam relies on the Quran.

Spread of Islam

• Conversion: Most converts to Islam were voluntary, often seeking better social status or through marriage.

• Impact on Buddhism: Many Buddhists converted to Islam, reducing Buddhism's presence in India.

Social Structures

• Caste System: Remained largely unchanged, integrating new Muslim merchants and migrants into its hierarchy.

• Gender Relations: Islam's spread did not significantly alter traditional gender roles.

Cultural Interactions

• Knowledge Exchange: Indian advancements in math and science were shared with the Islamic world, leading to the development of "Arabic numerals."

• Architecture: Blended Hindu artistic details with Islamic geometric patterns. Example: Qutub Minar in Delhi.

The Bhakti Movement

• Origins: Began in the 12th century, focusing on emotional devotion to deities rather than rituals.

• Inclusivity: Appealed to women and lower castes. Similar to Sufi Islam in its emphasis on personal spirituality.

Southeast Asia

• Indian Influence: Indian merchants introduced Hinduism and Buddhism, deeply influencing the region's culture.

Sea-Based Kingdoms

• Srivijaya Empire (670-1025 CE): A Hindu kingdom on Sumatra, prospered by controlling sea routes.

• Majapahit Kingdom (1293-1520 CE): A Buddhist kingdom on Java, also thrived on maritime trade.

Land-Based Kingdoms

• Sinhala Dynasties (Sri Lanka): Centers of Buddhist study with advanced irrigation systems.

• Khmer Empire (Angkor Kingdom) (802-1431 CE): Flourished near the Mekong River with sophisticated irrigation. Notable for Hindu and later Buddhist temples, like Angkor Wat.

Islam in Southeast Asia

• Spread: Began with local merchants converting in the 700s. Islam was most popular in urban areas.

• Sufi Influence: Sufis facilitated the spread of Islam by being tolerant of local traditions, easing the conversion process.