The Srivijaya Empire

Summary

The Kingdom of Srivijaya, based on Sumatra, was a prosperous maritime trading empire from the 7th to 11th centuries CE. It controlled the strategic Straits of Malacca, amassing wealth from transit taxes on luxury goods like spices and silk. With its capital near modern-day Palembang, Srivijaya expanded its domain significantly, becoming a significant center of Buddhist learning. Despite repelling invasions, it eventually declined due to foreign attacks and the rise of Islam, disappearing by the 15th century.

Takeaways

• 🌊 The Kingdom of Srivijaya was a prosperous maritime trading empire based on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
• 🏰 Archaeological evidence suggests Srivijaya may have started as early as 200 CE and was a political entity by 500 CE.
• 🛣️ The kingdom controlled the strategic Sunda Straits, which facilitated the flow of luxury goods like spices, silk, and jewels.
• 💰 Srivijaya's wealth came from transit taxes on trade goods, which allowed it to extend its domain significantly.
• 📜 The first historical mention of Srivijaya comes from a Chinese Buddhist monk's memoir, who visited in 671 CE.
• 🗺️ By the 8th century, Srivijaya expanded its influence to Java and the Malay Peninsula, controlling key trade routes.
• 🏛️ The kingdom supported a vibrant Buddhist community and was a center for Buddhist learning, influencing nearby kingdoms.
• 🔥 Srivijaya faced attacks from foreign powers like the Chola Empire, which weakened it over time.
• 🌍 By the 13th century, Srivijaya was still considered a wealthy and powerful state, with multiple colonies or tributary states.
• ⏳ The kingdom's decline was hastened by the rise of Islam among its population, introduced by the very traders who had enriched it.
• 🗝️ By 1400, Srivijaya had been completely erased from the map, marking the end of a once-great maritime empire.

Q & A

What was the Kingdom of Srivijaya known for in the context of maritime trading empires?

The Kingdom of Srivijaya was known for being one of the wealthiest and most splendid maritime trading empires, controlling the trade routes in the Indian Ocean and accumulating considerable wealth.

When is the Kingdom of Srivijaya believed to have started forming?

Archaeological evidence suggests that the Kingdom of Srivijaya may have begun to coalesce as early as 200 CE and likely was an organized political entity by the year 500.

Where was the capital of the Kingdom of Srivijaya located?

The capital of Srivijaya was near what is now Palembang, Indonesia.

What luxury items were traded through the Kingdom of Srivijaya's controlled straits?

The kingdom controlled the straits through which passed luxury items such as spices, tortoiseshell, silk, jewels, camphor, and tropical woods.

How did the Kings of Srivijaya use the wealth they gained from transit taxes?

The Kings of Srivijaya used the wealth gained from transit taxes to extend their domain as far north as what is now Thailand and Cambodia and as far east as Borneo.

Which Chinese Buddhist monk's memoir is the first historical source that mentions Srivijaya?

The first historical source that mentions Srivijaya is the memoir of the Chinese Buddhist monk I-Tsing, who visited the kingdom for six months in 671 CE.

What does the Cadukone Bukit inscription tell us about the founding of Srivijaya?

The Cadukone Bukit inscription tells the story of the Punta Yang Sri Jayanasa who founded Srivijaya with the help of 20,000 troops.

How did Srivijaya expand its influence in the 8th century?

In the 8th century, Srivijaya expanded into Java and the Malay Peninsula, giving it control over the Malacca Straits and the ability to charge tolls on the Indian Ocean Maritime silk routes.

What was the significance of the Srivajayan capital as a center of Buddhist learning?

The Srivajayan capital became an important center of Buddhist learning and thought, with influence extending to smaller kingdoms within Srivijaya's sphere, such as the Saliendra kings of Central Java.

What was the impact of the Chola Empire's attack on Srivijaya in 1025?

The attack by the Chola Empire in 1025 was the first of a series of raids that lasted at least 20 years, weakening Srivijaya, which managed to fend off the invasion but was significantly weakened by the effort.

How did the Kingdom of Srivijaya eventually fall?

Srivijaya was eventually conquered by the Singasari Kingdom by 1288 and was completely erased from the map by the year 1400, partly due to the conversion of the majority of Sumatran and Javanese to Islam introduced by Indian Ocean traders.