South and Southeast Asia Overview

South and Southeast Asia

Political

• South Asia:
  • Southern India: More stable (Chola Dynasty, Vijayanagara Empire).
  • Northern India: Less stable, often at war, attacked by Islamic forces (Rajput Kingdoms, Delhi Sultanate).
• Southeast Asia:
  • Sea-Based Kingdoms: Srivijaya Kingdom (Hindu, strong navy), Majapahit Kingdom (controlled sea routes, Buddhist).
  • Land-Based Kingdoms: Sinhala Dynasties, Khmer Empire/Angkor Kingdom.

Innovations/Tech

• Algebra and geometry developments.
• Arabic numerals.
• Geometric designs in architecture (e.g., Qutub Minar).
• New language: Urdu.
• Angkor Kingdom: Complex irrigation and drainage for rice cultivation.

Economics

• Trade across the Indian Ocean and Silk Roads.
• Trade between South and East Asia, especially in spices.
• Angkor Kingdom demonstrates economic prosperity through rice production.

Cultural

• Dominant religions: Hinduism and Buddhism before Islam.
• Conversion to Islam due to low status, merchants, or corruption in other religions.
• Bhakti Movement to spread Hinduism.
• Angkor Thom: Capital of Angkor Kingdom with Hindu artwork/temples that transitioned to Buddhism.

Environment

• Location: India, strategically important for sea-based and land-based connections.

Society

• Caste system: Extremely strict and rigid.
• Merchants: Treated better due to the importance of trade.