KINGDOMS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTHEAST ASIA

KINGDOMS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA

GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTHEAST ASIA � Southeast Asia lies between the Indian and Pacific Ocean and stretches from Asia almost to Australia. � Part of the warm humid tropics, where Monsoon winds bring the region heavy seasonal rains. � Political power often was whoever controlled the trade routes and harbors.

INFLUENCE OF INDIA AND CHINA � Indian merchant ships took advantage of the monsoon winds, and began to arrive in Southeast Asia. � Spread Hindu and Buddhist missionaries. Impacted culture including religion, languages, and art form. � Chinese ideas and culture spread southward in the region through migration and trade, exerting political influence mainland.

Early Kingdoms and Empires Small but Powerful • Several early kingdoms, empires arose in Southeast Asia • Most small, a few quite powerful • Blended influences from India, China to create own unique societies, cultures The Pagan Kingdom • AD 800 s, Burmans established kingdom of Pagan, in what is now Myanmar • Located in fertile Irrawaddy River valley, ideal for rice farming • First king, Anawrahta, ruled 1044 to 1077, conquered surrounding areas

The Pagan Kingdom v v v v 1057, Anawrahta united much of what is now Myanmar under his rule Conquests provided Pagan with access to trading ports Anawrahta’s kingdom prospered Anawrahta, successors supported Theravada Buddhism, built thousands of Buddhist temples Pagan became center of Buddhist learning 1287, Kublai Khan’s Mongols demanded tribute from Pagan; king refused and attacked; was crushed One of king’s own sons killed him, then agreed to pay tribute to the Mongols Pagan survived, but lost power

The Khmer Empire � Khmer Empire was for centuries, main power of mainland. � 800’s, Khmer had conquered neighboring kingdoms and created an empire. � Improved cultivation of rice became prosperous � Built irrigation systems to help grow crops. � Built extensive city and temples to a symbol mountain dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu as a well as an

The Khmer Empire • Powerful Khmer empire arose southeast of Pagan, in what is now Cambodia • Early 800 s, Khmer people began to conquer kingdoms around them, build great empire • Empire reached height between 850 and 1250, controlled much of Southeast Asian mainland • Expensive building projects, invaders contributed to empire’s decline Indian Influence • Khmer Empire reflected strong Indian influence Rich from Rice • Built vast temple complexes; Angkor Wat ruins still stand • Adopted Hindu, Buddhist beliefs, ruled as gods • Empire grew prosperous from rice farming • Empire’s capital city, Angkor, symbolized shape of Hindu universe, temple at its center • Built irrigation system covering 12. 5 million acres, grew several crops per year

Influences on Khmer culture is “Indianized”; Culture influenced mostly by India - religion: Hinduism; worshiped Shiva and Vishnu; followed caste system with Brahmins - architecture: temples and monuments were built in honor of Hindu gods such as Angkor Wat - art: stone carvings taught by Indian Brahmans. - public works: learned how to make irrigation systems and

ISLAND TRADING KINGDOMS � Powerful kingdoms also developed on Southeast Asia’s islands. � Sailendra ruled an agricultural kingdom on the island of Java, but eventually fell under the domination of the powerful island empire of Sriviljava. � Grew wealthy by taxing the trade that passed through its waters. � Srivijavas established their capital, Palembang.

DAI VIET � The people of Southeast Asia least influenced India were the Vietnamese. � Vietnam fell under Chinese domination during the Han Dynasty. � Vietnam broke away in 900 A. D. � Became independent in 939 known as Dai Viet. � Absorbed Chinese cultural influences including Buddhism and ideas about government.

DAI VIET � Preserved a strong spirit of independence and kept their own cultural identity. � Though Vietnamese women had more freedom and influence than their Chinese counterparts. � Rulers of the Ly Dynasty located their capital at Hanoi, on the Red River Delta. � Strong central government and encouraged agriculture and trade � Improved roads and river transportation.