1.3: Developments in SOUTH Asia & SOUTHEAST Asia

Overview of South Asia and Southeast Asia (circa 1200)

• Focus on the key belief systems affecting social and cultural dynamics in South Asia and Southeast Asia: Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism.

South Asia

Hinduism

• Core Beliefs: Polytheistic; reunification of the individual soul with the world soul (Brahman); reincarnation leads to this goal over many lifetimes.

• Caste System: A five-tier structure categorizing society based on virtue, limiting mobility within a lifetime but allows movement up the caste in future lives based on good actions.

• Cultural Impact: Establishes a unified culture and societal norms in India for millennia.

Buddhism

• Origins: Founded in India; shares beliefs with Hinduism (e.g., cycle of birth and reincarnation).

• Differences with Hinduism: Rejects the caste system; promotes equality among all people.

• Spread of Buddhism: Universalizing religion; by 1200, its influence in South Asia was declining.

Islam

• Emergence: Gained prominence in the region after the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in 1206 by Turkic Muslim invaders.

• Cultural Presence: Became the religion of the elite; faced challenges in imposing the faith due to entrenched Hinduism.

• Resistance: Presence of Rajput kingdoms resisting Muslim domination, maintaining Hindu independence.

• Expansion of Influence: The Vijayanagara Empire emerged as a powerful Hindu state in response to Muslim rule.

Southeast Asia

Diversity of Belief Systems

• Predominant Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam practiced among various states.

Changes in Belief Systems

• Hinduism: Emergence of the Bhakti Movement promoting personal devotion and rejecting hierarchy.

• Islam: Rise of Sufism, focusing on mystical experiences and spirituality accessible to all, paralleling the Bhakti movement.

• Buddhism: Became more exclusive, with fewer lay practitioners; monastic focus on achieving Nirvana.

Sea-Based States

• Srivijaya Empire: A powerful Buddhist state (7th to 11th centuries) influenced by Indian culture; taxed commerce at the Strait of Malacca.

• Majapahit Kingdom: Established on Java; formerly Hindu, now with strong Buddhist influences; maintained power through a tributary system requiring goods/services from subservient states.

Land-Based States

• Sinhala Dynasties: Long-standing Buddhist state in Sri Lanka; relied more on land resources than maritime trade.

• Khmer Empire: Initially a Hindu state that became prosperous and constructed Angkor Wat; later rulers adopted Buddhism, blending elements of both religions in temple design, exemplifying syncretism.