APWH Southeast Asia

Bhakti Movement

A devotional movement within Hinduism emphasizing personal devotion to gods like Vishnu and Shiva rather than ritual or caste; promoted emotional connection with the divine.

Buddhism

A religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) that teaches enlightenment through meditation, moral living, and the rejection of desire.

Caste System

The rigid Hindu social hierarchy divided people into hereditary groups that determined occupation and social status.

Centralized Government

A form of political organization in which power is concentrated in a single authority or capital rather than distributed among regional rulers.

Delhi Sultanate

A series of Muslim dynasties that ruled northern India (1206-1526 CE); they introduced Islam to South Asia through conquest and cultural exchange.

Empire

A large political unit or state, usually under a single leader, that controls many people or territories.

Imperial

Relating to an empire or emperor; often describes systems of control, governance, or architecture meant to display authority.

Hinduism

A major religion of South Asia emphasizing dharma (duty), karma (action), and reincarnation; it influenced art, culture, and governance.

Indian Ocean Trade

A vast maritime network connecting East Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia through trade in spices, textiles, and luxury goods.

Islam

A monotheistic religion founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE, emphasizing submission to God (Allah) and the Five Pillars of faith.

Majapahit Kingdom

A powerful Hindu-Buddhist maritime empire based on the island of Java (1293-1527 CE) that controlled trade routes across Southeast Asia.

Monasticism

The religious way of life in which individuals dedicate themselves to spiritual work, often through monasteries (common in Buddhism).

Monsoon Winds

Seasonal wind patterns in the Indian Ocean determined navigation and trade; merchants used their predictable timing to travel efficiently.

Mystic

A person seeking direct spiritual experience or union with the divine, often associated with Sufi or Bhakti traditions.

Qur'an

The holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Pandyas

A South Indian Tamil kingdom known for trade, temple architecture, and involvement in Indian Ocean commerce.

Rajput Kingdoms

Hindu-led kingdoms in northern India formed after the fall of the Gupta Empire; known for warrior rulers and frequent conflict with Muslim invaders.

Cultural Transfers

The exchange of ideas, science, and technology between Islamic and Indian scholarly civilizations, such as advancements in mathematics and medicine.

Srivijaya Empire

A Buddhist maritime kingdom (7th-13th centuries CE) in Sumatra that controlled key choke points in the Indian Ocean and collected tribute from passing ships.

Sufism

A mystical form of Islam that spread through missionary work, emphasizing emotional devotion and the personal experience of God.

Syncretism

The blending of different religious and cultural traditions.

Vedas

Ancient sacred texts of Hinduism that form the basis of its religious teachings.

Vijayanagara Empire

A South Indian empire known for its advanced culture and architecture, flourishing from the 14th to the 17th century.

Urbanization

The growth of cities due to trade, agriculture, and migration within South and Southeast Asia.

The Sinhala Dynasties

A powerful South Indian Hindu state (1336-1646 CE) that resisted Islamic expansion and promoted cultural and architectural development.

Zheng He

Sailed to Sri Lanka in 1411 and defeated the ruler Vira Alakeshvara, taking him captive.

Strait of Malacca

Controlled trade between China and India by charging fees to access the route.

Decline of the Srivijaya Empire

Control of the Malacca Strait effectively 'put a target' on the Srivijaya Empire.

Chola Dynasty

Attacked Srivijaya, captured its ruler, and sacked cities.

Majapahit Empire

Dates of existence: 1293-1527; Primary religion: Minou-Buddhis.

Java

Circle the island of Java which was the center of the Majapahit Empire.

Harihara and Bukka

Brothers who founded the Vijayanagara Empire after being captured by the Delhi Sultanate and converting to Islam.

Strait

A narrow body of water that connects two larger bodies of water.

Bhakti traditions

A continuation of the ideas in the Vedas, allowing for personal devotion to achieve salvation.

Economic growth

Spurred by advanced irrigation techniques developed by the Sinhala Dynasties.

Trade agreements

Established by the Sinhala Dynasties with other states.

Invasions

During the 1200-1450 time period, the Sinhala Dynasties dealt with many invasions that weakened the kingdom.

Divine king (chakravartin)

The belief that the ruler of the Majapahit Empire was thought to be divine.

Bhakti

Devotion.

Buddhist Monasticism

Buddhism originates in India; Monasticism is renouncing worldly pursuits to devote oneself to spiritual work (becoming a monk).

Khmer Empire

Dates of existence: 802-1431; Located in Cambodia; Main religions: Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism.

King Jayavarman II

First chakravartin of the Khmer Empire.

Indian Caste System

The main difference is that the Indian caste system gets it from vedas, ancient texts.

Khmer Caste System

The Khmer caste system gets it from Chakravartin Fuller.

Song Dynasty

Known for its population explosion and developments that helped grow and sustain a larger population.

Angkor Wat

Becomes the 'Hydraulic City' of the Khmer Empire.

West Baray

A reservoir from the Khmer Empire that can be seen from space.

Sukhothai Kingdom

Khmer controlled Sukhothai land until a revolt in 1238; series of wars followed Sukhothai independence from the Khmer Empire.

Imperial Pandyas

First ruler, Maravarman Sundara I, sent the Chola king Kulothunga III into exile, marking a series of conflicts that ultimately ended the Chola Dynasty.

Tamil People

Roughly found in South Asia.

Devotion in Bhakti Movement

Followers have a personal devotion to a particular deity.

Achieving Union with the Divine

Emphasized through music, dance, poetry, and rituals.

Salvation through Bhakti Movement

Could be sought by all.