Overview
This lecture explores the Srivijaya Empire, a powerful yet once-forgotten Southeast Asian maritime trading empire, highlighting its role in trade and Buddhism, and explaining how to contextualize its importance in AP World History essays.
Contextualizing History & the Srivijaya Empire
- History changes with new discoveries and is more than memorizing unchanging names and dates.
- Contextualization means placing specific events or examples within the broader story of world history.
- AP World History starts with units on the “Global Tapestry” (regional snapshots) and “Networks of Exchange” (connections between regions).
Srivijaya: Location and Trade Power
- Srivijaya was a thalassocracy (sea-based empire) in island Southeast Asia, controlling key maritime trade routes between India and China.
- The empire lasted about 700 years and made Palembang (called “Giant Harbor” by the Chinese) its capital.
- It dominated vital straits: Sunda and Malacca, making it unavoidable for maritime trade between the Indian Ocean and East Asia.
- Srivijaya traded rice, spices, metals, woods, ivory, ceramics, and more, acting as a massive regional market and storage hub.
- It became a tributary to the Chinese Song Empire, further cementing its influence.
Srivijaya and Buddhism
- Srivijaya was a major Buddhist state, not just a commercial hub.
- Trade routes facilitated the spread of Buddhism and the movement of monks and scholars.
- The empire hosted many Buddhist priests and scholars, becoming a center for Buddhist learning in Southeast Asia.
- Chinese monk Yi Jing described Srivijaya as a place where over a thousand Buddhist monks studied, making it ideal for Chinese pilgrims on their way to India.
Rediscovery of Srivijaya
- Srivijaya was largely unknown until about 100 years ago when historians connected various sources that referred to it by different names.
- Archaeological finds and travelers' accounts (like those of Buddhist monks) revealed its significance as a trade and religious center.
Using Srivijaya in AP World Essays
- Srivijaya is a strong illustrative example of how empires enabled trade and spread religions like Buddhism.
- Practice using contextualization and arguments (as in the LEQ section) with Srivijaya as an example of a Buddhist and trading state.
- Be aware of time-frame limitations in AP World History prompts, but Srivijaya fits well for discussing 600–1450 CE.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Thalassocracy — An empire based primarily on control of seas and maritime trade routes.
- Contextualization — Placing a topic or event within a broader historical framework.
- Tributary State — A country that pays tribute to a more powerful nation.
- Buddhist State — A state ruled by Buddhists with significant Buddhist influence and institutions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice writing contextualization for essay prompts using Srivijaya as an example.
- Review trade networks between India and China, focusing on Southeast Asia’s maritime routes.
- Prepare examples of Buddhist states for potential essay questions.