Topic 1.3 - Developments in South and Southeast Asia | 1200-1450

Chola Dynasty

A Hindu Empire (850-1267) that largely rejected Buddhism and Jainism, known for being the greatest maritime empire in India.

Bhakti Movement

A movement in medieval Hinduism that sought to bring religious reforms, challenged the caste system, and emphasized devotion to achieve union with the divine.

Caste System

A hierarchical social structure in Hindu society, consisting of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Sudras, and Dalits.

Vijayanagara Empire

An agricultural empire (1336-1646) that was tolerant of all religions and protected Hinduism while adopting some Islamic political traditions.

Angkor Wat

A renowned temple complex in Cambodia, part of the Khmer Empire, demonstrating advanced hydraulic engineering and alignment with Hindu beliefs.

Khmer Empire

A powerful empire located in present-day Cambodia (802-1431) known for its vast irrigation systems and the construction of Angkor Wat.

Rajput Kingdoms

A group of kingdoms known for their predominantly Hindu population, often at war with each other, posing a major obstacle to Muslim dominance.

Srivijaya Empire

A Hindu and Buddhist commercial kingdom (670-1025) in modern-day Indonesia that controlled trade through the Strait of Malacca.

Major religions of Khmer Empire

Initially Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism, later mass conversions to Theravada Buddhism occurred, influencing the empire's structure.

Majapahit Empire

One of the last major Hindu-Buddhist empires (1293-1527) in Java, regarded as a powerful influence on Indonesia's modern-day boundaries.

Harihara and Bukka

Founders of the Vijayanagara Empire who were originally Hindu, later converted to Islam, became generals, and then converted back to Hinduism.

Zheng He

A Chinese explorer who sailed to Sri Lanka in 1411 and defeated the local ruler, contributing to the decline of the Sinhala Dynasties.

Imperial Pandyas

A dynasty (1216-1345) known for ending the Chola Dynasty and being significant in the development of temple-centered Hinduism.

Angkor

The capital of the Khmer Empire, which experienced sieges and was ultimately abandoned, marking the end of the empire.

Theravada Buddhism

A form of Buddhism that gained influence in Southeast Asia, impacting the religious landscape and contributing to the decline of previous empires.

Caste System Justification in Khmer Empire

The Khmer caste system was justified by the king, differing from the Indian caste system.