Lecture on South Asia and Southeast Asia around 1200 AD

Introduction

• Focus: Influence of belief systems in South Asia and Southeast Asia
• Main belief systems: Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism

South Asia

India and Hinduism

• Dominant religion: Hinduism
• Hinduism Overview
  • Polytheistic
  • Goal: Reunite the soul with Brahman
  • Belief in reincarnation
  • Caste system: Five-tiered, difficult to move up within a lifetime
• Unified Indian culture for millennia

Buddhism in South Asia

• Originated in India
• Shared beliefs with Hinduism
  • Cycle of birth, death, and reincarnation
  • Goal: Achieve Oneness with the universe
• Differences
  • Rejected the caste system
  • Promoted equality
• By 1200, Buddhism's influence declined in India

Islam in South Asia

• 1206: Establishment of Delhi Sultanate by Turkic Muslim invaders
• Islam became a key belief system, especially among the elite
• Faced resistance in India due to entrenched Hindu culture

Southeast Asia

• Diverse region
• Practiced Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam
• Changes in belief systems:

Hinduism in Southeast Asia

• Bhakti Movement
  • Worship of one particular god
  • Rejected hierarchy, emphasized equal spiritual experiences

Islam in Southeast Asia

• Sufism
  • Mystical, spiritual version of Islam
  • Rejected elite doctrines, emphasized universal spiritual access

Buddhism in Southeast Asia

• Became exclusive, mainly practiced by monks
• Decline in general practice outside monastic life

State Formation and Power

South Asia

• Delhi Sultanate
  • Controlled Northern India
  • Challenges in spreading Islam due to Hindu resistance
• Rajput Kingdoms
  • Hindu kingdoms resisting Muslim rule
• Vijayanagara Empire
  • Founded by former Muslim emissaries who returned to Hinduism

Southeast Asia

Sea-based States

• Srivijaya Empire (7th-11th century)
  • Buddhist influence
  • Controlled the Strait of Malacca, gaining wealth through trade taxes
• Majapahit Kingdom
  • Hindu origins with Buddhist influences
  • Maintained control through a tributary system

Land-based States

• Sinhala Dynasties
  • Located in Sri Lanka, primarily Buddhist
• Khmer Empire
  • Initially Hindu, later incorporated Buddhism
  • Famous for Angkor Wat, a symbol of syncretism blending Hindu and Buddhist elements

Conclusion

• Overview of belief systems and state formation
• Encouraged to watch additional content for comprehensive understanding