Lecture Notes: Belief Systems in South and Southeast Asia around 1200
Overview
Focus on South Asia and Southeast Asia around the year 1200
Key belief systems: Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism
Examination of how these belief systems influenced culture, politics, and society
South Asia
Hinduism
Dominant Religion in India
Polytheistic belief system
Ultimate goal: reunite individual soul with Brahman (world soul)
Belief in reincarnation: cycle of death and rebirth
Cultural Influence
Established a unified Indian culture for millennia
Structured society through the caste system (five-tiered hierarchy)
Buddhism
Origins and Beliefs
Founded in India; shares reincarnation beliefs with Hinduism
Rejection of caste system; emphasized equality
Spread and Influence
Universalizing religion; more adaptable to different cultures
By 1200, influence in India was declining
Islam
Introduction to South Asia
1206: Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate by Turkic Muslim invaders
Islam became the religion of the elite
Faced resistance due to entrenched Hindu culture
Southeast Asia
Main Belief Systems
Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam practiced across diverse states
Changes and Movements
Hinduism: Bhakti Movement
Emphasized worship of one God
Rejected traditional hierarchy, encouraged spiritual equality
Islam: Rise of Sufism
Mystical and spiritual experiences focused
Avoided elaborate doctrines, accessible to all
Buddhism
Originally accessible to all; became more exclusive over time
State Formation and Power
South Asia
Delhi Sultanate: Muslim rule in Northern India, faced Hindu resistance
Rajput Kingdoms: Warring Hindu states; some remained independent
Vijayanagara Empire: Southern Hindu kingdom founded by former Muslim emissaries
Southeast Asia
Sea-based States
Srivijaya Empire
Buddhist state; influenced by Indian Hindu culture
Controlled the Strait of Malacca, gaining wealth from taxing merchants
Majapahit Kingdom
Based in Java; Hindu with Buddhist influences
Maintained power via tributary system
Land-based States
Sinhala Dynasties (Sri Lanka)
Buddhist state; sustained by local resources
Khmer Empire
Founded as a Hindu empire; later incorporated Buddhism
Notable for Angkor Wat, exemplifying syncretism by blending Hindu and Buddhist elements
Conclusion
Understanding these belief systems and their influence provides insight into the cultural and social dynamics of South and Southeast Asia during this period.
The interaction between different religions and local cultures led to unique forms of governance and cultural expression.
Additional Resources
Links to more review videos and video note guides for further study.