key term - Srivijaya

Definition

Srivijaya was a powerful maritime and commercial kingdom that thrived from the 7th to the 13th century, located on the island of Sumatra in modern-day Indonesia. It played a crucial role in trade between China, India, and the rest of Southeast Asia, establishing itself as a hub for the exchange of goods and culture. The kingdom's influence extended over the Malay Archipelago, promoting the spread of Buddhism and facilitating the rise of other regional states.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Srivijaya was established around 650 CE and reached its height during the 9th and 10th centuries as a dominant maritime trading power.
2. The kingdom's wealth derived largely from its control of trade routes between China and India, facilitating the exchange of spices, gold, and other valuable goods.
3. Srivijaya became a prominent center for Buddhism in Southeast Asia, attracting monks and scholars from various regions who contributed to its cultural landscape.
4. The political structure of Srivijaya included a strong central authority that coordinated trade policies and defended against external threats from rival states.
5. By the late 13th century, Srivijaya began to decline due to competition from emerging powers like the Malacca Sultanate and internal strife.

Review Questions

• How did Srivijaya's geographical location contribute to its success as a maritime trade kingdom?
  • Srivijaya's geographical location on the island of Sumatra made it a strategic point for controlling maritime trade routes between China and India. This advantageous position allowed Srivijaya to facilitate trade among various regions in Southeast Asia, leading to its economic prosperity. The kingdom established itself as a central hub for commerce, influencing trade patterns and attracting merchants from distant lands.
• Evaluate the impact of Srivijaya on the spread of Buddhism in Southeast Asia.
  • Srivijaya significantly influenced the spread of Buddhism throughout Southeast Asia by serving as a major center for Buddhist scholarship and pilgrimage. Its rulers supported the construction of monasteries and temples, which attracted monks and scholars who disseminated Buddhist teachings across the region. This promotion not only helped establish Buddhism as a dominant religion but also fostered cultural exchanges that enriched local practices with Buddhist philosophies.
• Assess the reasons for Srivijaya's decline and how this affected regional power dynamics in Southeast Asia.
  • The decline of Srivijaya in the late 13th century can be attributed to several factors, including increased competition from emerging powers like the Malacca Sultanate, internal political challenges, and potential maritime piracy. As Srivijaya weakened, other states capitalized on its diminished influence, leading to shifts in trade routes and political alliances throughout Southeast Asia. The transition marked a significant change in regional power dynamics, paving the way for new kingdoms that would shape the history of the archipelago.

Related terms

Maritime Trade:

The exchange of goods and services across oceans and seas, which was vital to the economic power of Srivijaya due to its strategic location along key shipping routes.

Buddhism:

A major world religion that was promoted by Srivijaya, which became a center for Buddhist learning and pilgrimage in Southeast Asia.

Malacca Sultanate: A subsequent Islamic state that emerged in the region after Srivijaya, benefiting from the trade networks and cultural exchanges established by the earlier kingdom.