1.3 Flashcards
State building in South Asia and Southeast Asia
1.3
The most prominent religions in Southeast Asia and South Asia between 1200-1450 were…
Hinduism
Islam
Buddhism
1.3
Briefly explain Hinduism and its influence.
An ethnic religion. Most prominent in India. Polytheistic, with ultimate goal of achieving moksha (breaking the cycle of death and rebirth and becoming one with brahman). Unified Indian culture for centuries through the Caste system.
1.3
What is the Caste system?
Hindu social hierarchy in which someone is born into one of five levels of superiority supposedly based on karma from the previous lifetime, and is unable to change castes. Provides incentive to do good works so as to acheive a higher caste in future lifetimes.
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Briefly explain Buddhism.
Founded in India, but influence there declined significantly by 1200. A universal religion. Rejected caste system and emphasized equality of all people, but took on the idea of enlightenment and achieving oneness with the universe as well as karma and the cycle of reincarnation
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Definition of an ethnic religion
A religion tightly bound to a particular peoples (e.g. Hinduism)
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Definition of a universal religion
A religion which can be implemented in societies globally without totally disrupting their structure (e.g., Buddhism)
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Explain the significance of the presence of Islam in India.
Turkic invaders established Dehli Sultanate, making Islam the elite’s religion throughout Southeast Asia and India, and the second most influential religion there.
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Southeast Asia’s main religions
Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam
All underwent changes as they spread
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Changes to Buddhism 1200-1450
Buddhism was weaning in South Asia because previously, it had been advertised to commoners and the general public. Increasingly, the idea of enlightenment was considered more exclusive and only pursued by monks.
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Changes to Hinduism 1200-1450
Bahkti movement: encouraged equality of people, rejected traditional social hierarchy, emphasized devotion to one god
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Changes to Islam 1200-1450
Sufism: emphasis on mystical experiences and less theological
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Similarities between Bahktis and Sufis
More accessable to broad public, emphasis on mystical experiences, rejection of more elaborate religious teachings that the elite followed = it spread easier through masses of commoners
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Resistance to Muslim rule in India
Rajput Kingdoms: warring Hindu kingdoms
Vijayanagara Empire in South India: Hindu Empire established by emissaries who converted from Islam back to their original Hindu faith and established a rival empire
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Srivijaya Empire
Ruled from 7-11th century. Buddhist, influenced by Hindu culture. Held power over the Strait of Malacca and got rich over taxes imposed on passing boats.
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Majapahit Empire
Ruled at end of 13th century on Java. Originally Hindu kingdom with Buddhist influence. Created a tributary sytem with smaller states in the region, allowing them to maintain power.