Lecture Notes: Belief Systems in South Asia and Southeast Asia around 1200

Introduction

• Focus on how various belief systems affected the regions over time.
• Key belief systems: Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism.

South Asia

Hinduism

• Dominant religion in India for millennia.
• Characteristics:
  • Polytheistic belief system.
  • Goal: Reunite the soul with Brahman, achieved through reincarnation.
  • Structured society through the caste system:
    • Five-tiered system.
    • Movement between castes typically occurs through reincarnation.
• Impact:
  • Unified Indian culture for millennia.

Buddhism

• Origin: Founded in India, shares beliefs with Hinduism.
  • Beliefs include reincarnation and the goal of becoming one with the universe.
• Differences from Hinduism:
  • Rejected the caste system.
  • Emphasized equality of all people.
• Decline: By 1200, influence waned in India.

Islam

• Introduction:
  • Turkic Muslim invaders established the Delhi Sultanate in 1206.
  • Became a significant belief system, especially among the elite.
• Challenges:
  • Difficulty imposing Islam due to entrenched Hinduism.
  • Resistance from Rajput kingdoms and the rise of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Southeast Asia

Overview of Belief Systems

• Diverse region practicing Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.

Hinduism

• Bhakti Movement:
  • Encouraged worship of one God in the Hindu pantheon.
  • Rejected the hierarchy of Hinduism, promoted spiritual equality.

Islam

• Rise of Sufism:
  • Emphasized mystical, spiritual experiences.
  • Rejected elaborate doctrines, accessible to all.

Buddhism

• Became more exclusive in South Asia.
  • Mostly monks seeking enlightenment by 1200.

State Formation and Power

South Asia

• Delhi Sultanate (1206):
  • Controlled Northern India but faced challenges from entrenched Hinduism.
  • Resistance from Rajput kingdoms and emergence of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Southeast Asia

Sea-Based States

• Srivijaya Empire (7th-11th century):
  • Buddhist state influenced by Hinduism, controlled the Strait of Malacca.
• Majapahit Kingdom (end 13th century):
  • Hindu with Buddhist influences.
  • Maintained power through a tributary system.

Land-Based States

• Sinhala Dynasties (Sri Lanka):
  • Buddhist state, land-based power.
• Khmer Empire:
  • Founded as Hindu, later included Buddhist elements.
  • Known for Angkor Wat, a symbol of syncretism blending Hindu and Buddhist elements.

Conclusion

• Belief systems shaped the culture and politics of South Asia and Southeast Asia during this period.
• Notable changes and interactions among Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.
• States utilized religion to establish and maintain power.