1.3 - Developments in South & Southeast Asia

What was the Vijayanagara Empire and what was its significance?

Second Hindu kingdom in South India, founded by two brothers from the Delhi Sultanate who reconverted to Hinduism; preserved Hindu culture and resisted Delhi Sultanate rule until overthrown by Muslim groups.

What were the Rajput Kingdoms and why were they vulnerable?

Decentralized North Indian clans that constantly fought each other, making them vulnerable to Muslim invaders like the Delhi Sultanate.

What was the Delhi Sultanate known for?

Introduced Islam to South Asia; resisted Mongols (Chagtai Khanate), imposed jizya tax on non-Muslims, lacked strong bureaucracy, and failed to dismantle caste system; promoted cultural diffusion and built the Qutab Minar.

What is Urdu and how did it develop?

Syncretic language developed in Islamic Pakistan; blends Arabic vocabulary, Hindi structure, and Farsi (Persian) elements.

What was the jizya tax and what effect did it have?

A tax imposed on non-Muslims under the Delhi Sultanate, which increased tensions and slowed economic growth by limiting wealth distribution.

What is the Qutab Minar and what does it represent?

Mosque built over a Hindu temple, symbolizing Islamic dominance in India and blending of religious architecture.

What was the Bhakti Movement and why is it important?

Hindu devotional movement focusing on a single deity through emotional reflection, similar to Sufism; it rejected caste discrimination and promoted Hinduism.

How did Islam spread in India?

Initially spread through force, later through merchants and intermarriage; attracted low-caste Hindus and especially Buddhists due to corruption in Buddhist monasteries.

Why did Buddhism decline in India?

Resulted from early Muslim raids and internal corruption, making Buddhism a minority in its birthplace.

What is sati and how did it show continuity in gender roles?

Hindu tradition where widows would immolate themselves after their husbands’ death; continued even after Islam's arrival, reflecting gender continuity.

What were subcastes and how did they function economically?

Functioned like European guilds; groups of artisans and merchants who cooperated for economic protection and trade promotion.

How did Islam in India compare to Christianity in Rome in terms of spread?

Both appealed to marginalized groups (low-caste Hindus in India; poor in Rome), spreading rapidly among the suffering.

What was the Srivijaya Empire and how did it gain power?

Hindu-Buddhist naval empire in Southeast Asia; controlled Indian-Chinese maritime trade by taxing ships; center for Buddhist expansion.

What was the Majapahit Empire and how did it resist Mongol rule?

Hindu-Buddhist empire that grew rich through sea-based tribute from Southeast Asian city-states; resisted Mongol invasion due to geographic isolation.

What is Borobudur and why is it significant?

Massive Buddhist temple in Indonesia symbolizing the path to enlightenment; evidence of Indian religious influence in Southeast Asia.

How did Islam spread in Southeast Asia?

Spread peacefully through merchants and Sufis; merchants gained economic benefits, especially in urban areas, leading to Indonesia’s Muslim majority.

Who were the Sufis in Southeast Asia and why were they successful?

Tolerant Islamic missionaries who allowed local traditions; facilitated widespread conversion by blending faiths.

What was the Khmer Empire known for?

Wealthy land-based empire with advanced drainage and irrigation systems; saw peaceful coexistence of Hinduism (elite) and Buddhism (masses); built Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.

What is Angkor Wat and what does it reflect?

A temple in Cambodia combining Hindu and Buddhist elements, reflecting religious syncretism and Indian cultural influence.

What was the Champa Kingdom and why is it remembered?

Known for rice cultivation and Hindu-Buddhist syncretism; eventually absorbed into Dai Viet.

What were the Sinhala Dynasties and what was their role in Buddhism?

Located in Sri Lanka; major center for Buddhist learning; monks advised monarchs, but internal conflict and invasions led to their decline.

What was Melaka (Malacca) and why was it important?

City-state and key maritime trade choke point in Southeast Asia; example of decentralized urban political structure.

What ended the Polynesian Migrations and how did they navigate?

Concluded during this period with the use of outrigger canoes; cultures practiced polytheism and animism (e.g., Dreamtime).

How do the Qutab Minar and Angkor Wat compare?

symbolizes Islamic dominance and political legitimacy , while the other reflects religious syncretism and cultural fusion without asserting political control.

How did the spread of Islam differ between South and Southeast Asia?

In South Asia (Delhi Sultanate), conversions offered little social mobility; in Southeast Asia, Muslim merchants and Sufis helped converts gain economic advantage and maintain traditions.