South Asia and Southeast Asia Around 1200

Key Belief Systems

• Hinduism
  • Polytheistic religion dominant in India
  • Central belief: Reunite individual soul with world soul, Brahma
  • Concept of reincarnation critical
  • Structured society by caste system
• Buddhism
  • Originated in India, shared reincarnation belief
  • Rejected caste system, equality of all people
  • Was declining in India by 1200
• Islam
  • Introduced in South Asia by Turkic Muslim invaders in 1206
  • Delhi Sultanate formed, leading to Islam becoming influential

Developments in Southeast Asia

• Diverse Belief Systems
  • Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam were practiced
  • Each belief system experienced changes

Changes in Religious Practices

• Hinduism: Bhakti Movement
  • Focused on individual worship of one god
  • Rejected caste hierarchy
  • Promoted spirituality for all social classes
• Islam: Sufism
  • Mystical and spiritual approach
  • De-emphasized strict religious doctrines
• Buddhism
  • Became more exclusive, primarily practiced by monks

State Formation and Power in South Asia

• Delhi Sultanate
  • Muslim rule over Northern India
  • Encountered resistance from entrenched Hindu practices
• Rajput Kingdoms
  • Hindu resistance to Muslim rule, some maintained independence
• Vijayanagara Empire
  • Founded by Hindu converts from Islam
  • Significant Hindu kingdom in Southern India

State Formation in Southeast Asia

• Sea-Based States
  • Srivijaya Empire (7th-11th century)
    • Buddhist, influenced by Indian Hindu culture
    • Wealth from control of the Strait of Malacca
  • Majapahit Kingdom (established late 13th century)
    • Hindu kingdom with Buddhist influences
    • Controlled region with a tributary system
• Land-Based States
  • Sinhala Dynasties in Sri Lanka
    • Buddhist state, land-based power
  • Khmer Empire
    • Initially Hindu, later incorporated Buddhism
    • Famous for Angkor Wat, a temple of syncretism blending Hindu and Buddhist elements

Conclusion

• The region was characterized by the coexistence and competition of major religions.
• Social and political structures were deeply influenced by these belief systems, leading to diverse cultural and religious syncretism.