South and Southeast Asia: Other States Flashcards
Rajput Kingdoms
The Rajput Kingdoms of India during 1200-1750 were a series of interconnected and interdependent states located in the northern and western parts of the Indian subcontinent. These states were ruled by Hindu Rajput rulers and were known for their military strength and political autonomy. Some of the most prominent Rajput Kingdoms during this period were the Sultanates of Delhi, the Rajput Kingdoms of Rajasthan, the Rajput States of Gujarat and the Maratha Empire. The Sultanate of Delhi was the first major Rajput kingdom to emerge in the Indian subcontinent. Under the Sultanate, a number of Rajput principalities were established, with the most important one being Mewar. Other Rajput principalities at this time included Ranthambore, Amber, Mandore, Mewar, Marwar, and Jaisalmer. The Sultanate of Delhi was succeeded by a number of other powerful Rajput states, including the Maratha Empire in the 18th century. The Rajput Kingdoms of Rajasthan were some of the most powerful states during this period. The most prominent of these states was the kingdom of Mewar, which was founded in the 13th century and grew to become one of the most powerful Rajput kingdoms in India. Other important Rajput states included Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Bikaner. The Rajput States of Gujarat included the states of Kutch and Kathiawar, two of the largest and most powerful Rajput states in India. The two states were frequently at war with each other, and both maintained a strong military presence. The Maratha Empire was the last major Rajput kingdom to emerge in India, and it eventually became one of the most powerful states in India. The Maratha Empire was ruled by the Peshwa, who was a Hindu ruler.
Chola Dynasties
The Chola Dynasty was a powerful South Indian dynasty which ruled over much of South India and parts of Southeast Asia from the 9th century to the 13th century. During this period, the Chola Dynasty achieved its greatest achievements, particularly in the areas of art, architecture, literature, and religious and political reforms. The Chola Dynasty was founded by Rajaraja I, who ruled from 985-1014 A.D. During this period, the Chola Dynasty expanded its political and military power in South India and established a powerful naval fleet. The Chola Dynasty continued to rule over the region until the 13th century, when the Pandyas and the Hoysalas rose to power. During this period, the Cholas continued to assert their influence over the region and maintained their position as a powerful political entity in South Asia. The Chola Dynasty was responsible for many impressive architectural monuments, including the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjore, the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, and the Gangaikondacholapuram Temple. The Chola Dynasty also developed a new style of temple architecture, which is known as Chola Architecture, and is known for its grandeur and beauty. In addition to its architectural achievements, the Chola Dynasty is remembered for the great development of Tamil literature during this period. This period saw the emergence of great Tamil poets, such as Kamban, who wrote the Ramayana in Tamil, and Adiyarkunallar, who wrote the Periyapuranam. The Chola Dynasty was also responsible for many religious and political reforms during this period. They introduced the concept of the emperor being responsible for the welfare of the people by providing education, health care, and other services. They also established a system of justice and passed laws that protected the rights of individuals. The Chola Dynasty played a major role in the spread of Hinduism and Buddhism in South Asia and Southeast Asia. They also played an important role in the spread of Jainism, and helped spread the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The Chola Dynasty finally came to an end in 1279 when the Pandyan kings declared independence from the Cholas. However, the Chola Dynasty left an indelible mark on South India and Southeast Asia and its legacy continues to this day.
Vijayanagar Empire
The Vijayanagara Empire was a powerful South Indian empire that flourished from the mid-14th to the mid-17th centuries. At its peak, it included most of South India, stretching from the Deccan in the north to the tip of the peninsula in the south. It was founded by two Hindu brothers, Harihara and Bukka, who were members of the Yadava dynasty from northern India. The empire was known for its economic prosperity, thriving culture, and religious tolerance. It was also known for its large number of monuments, such as the iconic city of Vijayanagara, which was the seat of power for the empire. During its rule, the empire achieved numerous successes in the fields of administration, military, and art. It was also well known for its patronage of Hindu culture, with many temples and monuments constructed throughout its territory. The empire eventually declined in the 17th century due to a combination of internal conflicts and external invasions. Nevertheless, the legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire continues to be felt in South India today.
Sinhala
Sinhala civilization in Sri Lanka flourished during the period of 1200-1750. This era was marked by the emergence of powerful Sinhala monarchs and the establishment of a powerful Sinhala state. During this period, the Sinhala language and culture spread throughout the island, and the religious and social customs of Buddhism flourished. The period saw a great deal of construction, including the building of numerous temples and palaces, as well as the growth of trading centers, especially in the ports of Galle and Colombo. The kingdom was ruled by a succession of powerful kings, such as Parakramabahu I, who unified the island under one rule and is credited with building many great irrigation works and reservoirs. During this period, the Sinhala people also developed a writing system, known as Sinhala script, which was used to record laws, religious texts, and other documents. This era also saw the growth of Sinhala literature, with several prominent authors such as Alagiyavanna Mukaveti and Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula writing works that remain popular to this day.
Marathas
The Marathas rose to power in the Indian subcontinent during the period of 1200-1750. They were a Hindu warrior dynasty that originated in the western Deccan region of India. The Marathas began their rise to power during the 14th century and gained control of much of the Indian subcontinent during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Marathas were a powerful military force, known for their use of guerrilla tactics, which allowed them to successfully fight against larger and better-equipped opponents. They were also a highly organized people, with a complex caste system and sophisticated administrative structures. The Marathas were able to gain control of much of the Deccan Plateau and eventually become one of the most powerful forces in India. They expanded their territories by conquering and annexing parts of the Mughal Empire, and by the late 1700s, the Marathas had become the dominant power in India. The Marathas had a number of important achievements, including the introduction of new agricultural practices and the establishment of trade networks. They also played an important role in the spread of Hindu culture and religion, and in the development of an independent identity for the Maratha people. The Marathas eventually lost their power during the late 18th century, when they were defeated by the British East India Company.
