Farming

Definition

Farming refers to the practice of cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain and enhance human life. In South and Southeast Asia from 1200-1450, farming was central to the economy and social structure, as it supported large populations and fostered trade networks, impacting both local cultures and broader regional interactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Farming techniques in this period included the use of irrigation systems, which were essential for growing water-intensive crops like rice.
2. The introduction of new crops from trade routes expanded agricultural diversity, leading to improved diets and increased populations.
3. Farming was not only a source of sustenance but also played a vital role in trade, as surplus crops were exchanged for goods and services.
4. Social hierarchies often developed around farming practices, with land ownership becoming a significant source of power and influence.
5. Technological innovations such as plows and improved seed varieties contributed to higher yields and efficiency in farming.

Review Questions

• How did farming practices in South and Southeast Asia influence social structures during 1200-1450?
  • Farming practices significantly influenced social structures by establishing land ownership as a key source of power. Those who controlled fertile land often held higher social status, leading to distinct class divisions based on wealth generated from agricultural production. As farming created an agricultural surplus, it allowed for the growth of urban centers where non-farming professions emerged, further stratifying society.
• Discuss the impact of irrigation systems on farming productivity and trade in South and Southeast Asia during this period.
  • Irrigation systems greatly enhanced farming productivity by allowing farmers to cultivate rice and other water-dependent crops more effectively. These advancements led to increased agricultural output, creating surpluses that could be traded. As communities prospered from trade, interregional exchanges flourished, contributing to economic development and cultural exchanges between different societies across South and Southeast Asia.
• Evaluate how the agricultural practices of South and Southeast Asia from 1200-1450 set the foundation for future economic developments in the region.
  • The agricultural practices established during this period laid crucial groundwork for future economic developments by fostering a system of trade based on surplus production. The innovations in farming techniques not only boosted yields but also encouraged specialization in various trades linked to agriculture. Additionally, the rise of urban centers from agricultural wealth facilitated cultural exchanges and technological advancements that would continue to shape the region's economy well into the later centuries.

Related terms

Rice Cultivation: The process of growing rice, a staple food in many parts of South and Southeast Asia, often involving complex irrigation systems and specific agricultural techniques.

Agricultural Surplus: The excess production of food that allows societies to support non-farming populations, contributing to urbanization and the development of trade.

Terrace Farming: An agricultural practice where flat areas are created on slopes to grow crops, particularly useful in hilly regions of Southeast Asia.