Culture Diffusion and Influence in the Indian Ocean

1. Majapahit Empire 13-16th centuries

1.1. -Vijaya family took throne in 1292 and maintained control of the empire for the next 200 years

1.2. -period of rapid expansion in the 14th century; conquered Bali in 1343

1.3. -maintained vassal states in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Malay Peninsula after conquest

1.4. -during the 15th century, rebellions, civil wars, and intra-family rivalries weakened the power of the ruling family

1.5. -Majapahit influence declined; region dominated under the sultanate of Malacca which divided Indonesia and Malaysia

1.6. -culture was strongly influenced by a Hindu-Buddhist religious tradition

1.7. -religious arts--including temples, statuaries, paintings, wood carvings were fostered under the Majapahit

1.8. -the Majapahit Empire finally fell to the Muslims in the early 16th century; Muslims had control of the empire by 1527

2. Rajputs 9-12th centuries

2.1. -territories repeatedly invaded by Afghans, Mongols, and Turks beginning early 11th century

2.2. -rulers agreed upon military and marriage bonds with the Islamic invaders; only a few converted to Islam

2.3. -within the Hindu social system, identified themselves to be Kshatriya caste

2.4. -"social order of warrior and rulers"

2.5. -earliest kingdoms were founded by small war bands, groups of armed men

2.6. -territories expanded during 12th to 14th centuries

2.7. -founders of Rajput realms were deemed heroic

3. Srivijaya Empire 7-13th centuries

3.1. -controlled the Strait of Malacca; made an international trade power

3.2. -extended its domain to the eastern island of Java and north across the Strait of Malacca to the Malay Peninsula

3.3. -Strait of Malacca connected the Indian Ocean and South China Sea; shortest route between China and India

3.4. -had strong trade relations with China and India; was known to Chinese as being the center of Mahayana Buddhism

3.5. -Buddhism was being taught to Chinese pilgrims during the seventh century on their travels to India

3.6. -Srivijaya kings founded many Buddhist monasteries; many which were built in Negapatam

3.7. -had early contact with Hindu civilizations in India