Unit 1: State Building in South and Southeast Asia

Hinduism

Dominant belief system in South Asia characterized by polytheism, cycling through reincarnation, and seeking to reunite individual souls with the world soul (Brahman).

Ultimate goal of Hinduism

To reunite the individual soul with the all-pervasive world soul, known as Brahman.

Caste system

A structured social hierarchy in India that determined status and movement between social classes, particularly associated with Hinduism.

Ethnic religion

A belief system tied to a specific ethnic group and geographic area, generally not spreading widely.

Delhi Sultanate

A Muslim empire established by Turkic invaders that ruled large parts of South Asia.

Bhakti Movement

A movement within Hinduism encouraging personal devotion to a single deity, rejecting traditional hierarchies.

Sufism

A mystical Islamic belief system emphasizing personal, spiritual experiences.

Rajput Kingdoms

Rival Hindu kingdoms in India that resisted Muslim rule and maintained independence from Muslim conquerors.

Vijayanagara Empire

A South Indian empire where Hindu rulers attempted to extend the influence of the Delhi Sultanate.

Srivijaya Empire

A Buddhist maritime empire in Southeast Asia that controlled the Strait of Malacca and imposed taxes on shipping.

Majapahit Kingdom

An Indonesian kingdom with Hindu origins that later absorbed Buddhist influences and maintained regional control through a tributary system.

Khmer Empire

A prosperous land-based empire in Southeast Asia initially founded as a Hindu state, later converting to Buddhism.

Angkor Wat

A temple complex in the Khmer Empire representing the Hindu universe before incorporating Buddhist elements.

Syncretism

The blending of different religious and cultural traditions into a new, cohesive whole.