Lecture Notes: South and Southeast Asia around 1200

Key Belief Systems

• Main Belief Systems: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.

South Asia

Hinduism

• Dominant religion in India for millennia.
• Beliefs:
  • Polytheistic: belief in many gods.
  • Ultimate goal: reunite individual soul with Brahman (world soul).
  • Cycle of death and rebirth (reincarnation).
• Caste System: Societal structure with a five-tier hierarchy.
  • Movement between castes typically not possible within a lifetime.
  • Potential for reincarnation into a higher caste based on good deeds.

Buddhism

• Founded in India; shares beliefs with Hinduism but rejects the caste system.
• Emphasizes equality of all people.
• Type: Universalizing religion, can spread across cultures.
• Influence in India was declining by 1200.

Islam

• Introduced by Turkic Muslim invaders in 1206, forming the Delhi Sultanate.
• Became the religion of the elite in some areas.

Southeast Asia

• Diversity in belief systems: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.
• Changes in Belief Systems:
  • Hinduism: Emergence of the Bhakti movement, emphasizing worship of one god and spiritual equality.
  • Islam: Rise of Sufism, focusing on mystical spiritual experiences.
  • Buddhism: Became more exclusive; monastic communities pursued enlightenment.

State Formation and Power Maintenance

South Asia

• Delhi Sultanate: Muslim empire established in 1206 in Northern India.
  • Challenges imposing Islam due to entrenched Hinduism.
• Rajput Kingdoms: Rival Hindu kingdoms resistant to Muslim rule.
• Vijayanagara Empire: Hindu kingdom in the south, formed by former Muslim emissaries.

Southeast Asia

Sea-Based States

• Srivijaya Empire: Buddhist state from the 7th to 11th century.
  • Control over Strait of Malacca, taxing passing ships.
• Majapahit Kingdom: Established on Java in the 13th century.
  • Hindu with Buddhist influences; maintained power through a tributary system.

Land-Based States

• Sinhala Dynasties: Buddhist state in Sri Lanka.
• Khmer Empire: Initially a Hindu empire, later blended with Buddhism.
  • Built Angkor Wat, a symbol of Hindu universe, later added Buddhist elements.
  • Syncretism: blending of Buddhism and Hindu elements.

Conclusion

• Understanding the complex interplay of religions and political power structures in South and Southeast Asia around 1200 is crucial for comprehending the historical and cultural developments in these regions.