Developments in South and Southeast Asia

Introduction

Quote by Lal Ded: Emphasizes personal experience and learning outside traditional teachings.
Essential Question: How did beliefs and practices in South and Southeast Asia affect society and state development?
Lal Ded's Influence: Her poetry exemplifies cross-religious interactions, significant in shaping South and Southeast Asian history.

Hindu-Muslim Interactions: Dynamic, sometimes violent; influenced religious thoughts, politics, economics, arts, and architecture.
Hindu Kingdoms: Continued to play a major role despite Islamic presence.
Buddhism: Significant presence in Sinhalese dynasties (Sri Lanka) and Southeast Asia.

South Asia: Rarely united; after Gupta Dynasty collapse, disunity prevailed for centuries.
- Cultural Unity: Hinduism provided some continuity.
Southern India: More stable than the north.
- Chola Dynasty: Ruled over 400 years, expanded to Sri Lanka.
- Vijayanagara Empire: Founded by converted brothers; Hindu kingdom.
Northern India: More upheaval.
- Rajput Kingdoms: Decentralized, vulnerable to Muslim attacks.
- Delhi Sultanate: Dominated political history; imposed jizya tax on non-Muslims.
- Resistance and Overthrow: Prevented Mongol conquest but eventually replaced by Mughals.

Hinduism: Prevalent before Islam; polytheistic vs. Islam's monotheism.
Islam: Entered forcefully, later peacefully; converted various groups, including low-caste Hindus and Buddhists.
Caste System: Maintained its structure despite Islamic influence.

Intellectual Exchange: Shared knowledge in astronomy, mathematics.
- Arabic Numerals: Originated in India.
Architecture: Islamic and Hindu styles combined.
- Qutub Minar: Example of Islamic influence.
Language: Urdu developed, blending Hindu patterns with Arabic and Farsi.
Bhakti Movement: Emphasized emotional devotion, similar to Sufi practices.

Indian Influence: Religion and trade spread Hinduism and Buddhism.
- Southeast Asian Kingdoms: Strategically significant for trade.
Sea-Based Kingdoms:
- Srivijaya Empire: Hindu, based on Sumatra.
- Majapahit Kingdom: Buddhist, controlled sea routes.
Land-Based Kingdoms:
- Sinhala Dynasties: In Sri Lanka, strong Buddhist presence.
- Khmer Empire: Near Mekong River, prosperous due to irrigation.
- Angkor Wat: Hindu-Buddhist architectural syncretism.
Islam in Southeast Asia: Spread through trade relations; Sufis played a role in conversion.

Government:
- South Asia: Vijayanagara Empire, Rajput Kingdoms, Delhi Sultanate.
- Southeast Asia: Srivijaya Empire, Majapahit, Sinhala Dynasties, Khmer Empire.
Culture/Religion:
- Proselytize: Bhakti Movement.
- Cultural Blending: Qutub Minar, Urdu.