SEJARAH KERAJAAN SRIWIJAYA

Summary

The Sriwijaya Kingdom, located on Sumatra Island, thrived between the 7th and 13th centuries. Founded around Palembang, it grew into a powerful trade empire and Buddhist center under King Dapunta Hyang. At its height during the 9th century under Balaputra Dewa, Sriwijaya controlled vast regions, relying on maritime commerce and customs fees. However, the kingdom weakened due to attacks from the Chola Empire and internal strife. By the late 13th century, it fell to the Majapahit Empire, marking the end of its influence in Southeast Asia.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sriwijaya was a kingdom located on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, with its name meaning 'glorious victory' in Sanskrit.
• 😀 The earliest historical record of Sriwijaya comes from I-Tsing, a Chinese monk who visited in 671 AD and stayed for six months.
• 😀 Other historical sources, such as the Kedukan Bukit inscription from 682 AD, mention the powerful Buddhist kingdom of Sriwijaya.
• 😀 Sriwijaya initially developed as a trading hub and later grew into a small kingdom along the eastern coast of Sumatra in the 7th century AD.
• 😀 The kingdom's geographic location, along with the fall of ancient kingdoms in Vietnam, helped Sriwijaya prosper and expand.
• 😀 Sriwijaya reached its peak under King Balaputradewa in the 9th century AD, who was from the Syailendra Dynasty.
• 😀 The kingdom's economy was based on maritime trade, with revenues from crossing fees and customs duties on goods.
• 😀 The main occupations of the population were fishing and trading, and Buddhism, specifically Mahayana Buddhism, thrived in the region.
• 😀 By the early 11th century, Sriwijaya had become a major center of Buddhist learning, housing thousands of monks and students.
• 😀 Sriwijaya began to decline in the 11th century due to attacks from the Chola Empire in India and the rise of other regional powers.
• 😀 By the late 13th century, Sriwijaya's influence waned due to the expansion of neighboring kingdoms like Siam and Singhasari, and it was eventually destroyed by Majapahit in the 13th century.

Q & A

What is the meaning of the name 'Sriwijaya'?

The name 'Sriwijaya' comes from the Sanskrit word 'Tri,' meaning victory or glory. Thus, the name Sriwijaya means 'glorious victory.'

Who was the first king of the Sriwijaya Kingdom?

The first king of the Sriwijaya Kingdom was Dapunta Hyang, who began expanding the kingdom's territory during his reign.

What were the main sources of historical information about Sriwijaya?

The main sources of historical information about Sriwijaya include the writings of I-Tsing, a Chinese monk who visited Sriwijaya in 671 AD, and the Kedukan Bukit inscription dated 682 AD.

What was the initial role of Sriwijaya before becoming a powerful kingdom?

Initially, Sriwijaya was just a trading center before it grew into a small kingdom along the eastern coast of Sumatra in the 7th century.

What geographical advantage did Sriwijaya have that contributed to its growth?

Sriwijaya's location in Palembang, along the Musi River, allowed it to become an important trading hub, connecting China with Southeast Asia.

Who was Balaputra Dewa, and what was his significance to Sriwijaya?

Balaputra Dewa was a king from the Syailendra Dynasty and ruled around the 9th century. His reign marked the peak of Sriwijaya's power.

What was the economic system of Sriwijaya?

Sriwijaya's economy was primarily based on maritime trade, with revenues generated from crossing fees and customs duties on traded goods.

What was the main religion in the Sriwijaya Kingdom?

The dominant religion in Sriwijaya was Buddhism, and it became a major center of Mahayana Buddhism in Southeast Asia.

How did Sriwijaya's relationship with China impact its prosperity?

Sriwijaya's role as a vital trading link between China and Southeast Asia significantly boosted its economic and cultural influence.

What factors led to the decline of the Sriwijaya Kingdom?

Sriwijaya's decline was caused by several factors, including attacks from the Chola Kingdom in India, the rise of other powerful kingdoms like Siam and Singhasari, and weakening military strength.