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.

Outlines

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🌊 The Rise and Prosperity of the Srivijaya Maritime Empire

The Srivijaya kingdom, based on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, was a significant maritime trading empire that flourished between the 7th and 11th centuries CE. It controlled the strategic Sunda Straits, which facilitated the flow of luxury goods such as spices, silk, and jewels between China and India. The kingdom's wealth was derived from transit taxes on these goods, allowing it to expand its domain significantly. The first historical mention of Srivijaya comes from a Chinese Buddhist monk, Yijing, who visited in 671 CE, describing a prosperous and well-organized society. The kingdom's capital was near modern-day Palembang, Indonesia, and it extended its influence to areas as far north as Thailand and Cambodia and as far east as the Philippines. Srivijaya was also a center of Buddhist learning, with its influence reaching out to smaller kingdoms like the Saliendra dynasty of Central Java, which constructed the magnificent Borobudur.

Keywords

💡Maritime trading empires

Maritime trading empires refer to powerful states or kingdoms that controlled and profited from maritime trade routes. In the context of the video, the Kingdom of Srivijaya is highlighted as one of the greatest, controlling trade through the Straits of Malacca and accumulating wealth through transit taxes on luxury goods.

💡Srivijaya

Srivijaya was a powerful ancient kingdom based in Sumatra, Indonesia. It was known for its wealth and influence over maritime trade in the region. The video describes how it began as early as 200 CE and grew to control significant portions of Southeast Asia by the 8th century.

💡Sumatra

Sumatra is an Indonesian island where the capital of the Srivijaya kingdom was located. The island's strategic position allowed Srivijaya to dominate trade in the region. The video mentions that the capital was near what is now Palembang, Indonesia.

💡Indian Ocean trade

Indian Ocean trade refers to the extensive network of trade routes across the Indian Ocean. Srivijaya prospered from this trade, controlling the flow of luxury items such as spices, silk, and jewels. The video emphasizes the kingdom's role in this trade for at least 400 years between the 7th and 11th centuries.

💡Kimalaka Straits

The Kimalaka Straits, now known as the Straits of Malacca, were a critical choke point for maritime trade. Srivijaya controlled these straits, allowing them to levy taxes on passing trade and thus amass considerable wealth. This control is highlighted in the video as a key factor in the kingdom's prosperity.

💡Buddhist monk I'd sing

I'd sing was a Chinese Buddhist monk who visited Srivijaya in 671 CE. His memoir is one of the first historical sources to mention the kingdom, describing it as rich and well-organized. His account is significant as it provides an outsider's perspective on the kingdom's wealth and structure.

💡Old Malay inscriptions

Old Malay inscriptions are ancient writings that provide historical evidence of Srivijaya. The video mentions inscriptions from the Palembang area dating back to 682 CE, which document the kingdom's existence and activities. These inscriptions are crucial for understanding the history and extent of Srivijaya's influence.

💡Giant kings

The term 'Giant kings' refers to the rulers of Srivijaya who expanded the kingdom's territory through conquest. The video cites King Giantsa, who conquered local kingdoms and incorporated them into the Srivijayan Empire, showcasing the kingdom's military might and ambition.

💡Buddhist learning

Buddhist learning was a significant aspect of Srivijayan culture, with the capital becoming a center for Buddhist thought. The video describes how the wealth of Srivijaya supported a large community of Buddhist monks and influenced other kingdoms, such as the Saliendra kings of Central Java, who built the magnificent Borobudur.

💡Chola Empire

The Chola Empire, based in Southern India, attacked Srivijaya in 1025, initiating a series of raids that lasted for two decades. The video highlights this as a turning point, showing how external threats began to weaken Srivijaya, despite its initial success in fending off the invasion.

💡Marco Polo

Marco Polo, the famous Italian traveler, visited Srivijaya in 1291-92 on his way back from China. His account provides a glimpse into the kingdom's state during a tumultuous period. The video uses his visit to illustrate the kingdom's decline and eventual fall by the year 1400.

💡Islam

Islam played a role in the fall of Srivijaya, as the video explains that the conversion of the majority of Sumatran and Javanese to Islam, introduced by Indian Ocean traders, was a decisive factor. This religious shift contributed to the decline of the Buddhist-influenced kingdom and its eventual disappearance from the map.

Highlights

The Kingdom of Srivijaya was one of the wealthiest and most splendid maritime trading empires in history.

Early records are scarce, but archaeological evidence suggests the kingdom may have begun as early as 200 CE.

By 500 CE, Srivijaya was likely an organized political entity.

Its capital was near present-day Palembang, Indonesia.

Srivijaya prospered from the rich Indian Ocean trade for at least 400 years between the 7th and 11th centuries CE.

The kingdom controlled the strategic Sunda Straits, facilitating the passage of luxury goods.

The kings of Srivijaya used wealth from transit taxes to extend their domain significantly.

The first historical source mentioning Srivijaya is a memoir by a Chinese Buddhist monk who visited in 671 CE.

Old Malay inscriptions from the Palembang area, dating back to 682, also mention the Srivijayan kingdom.

The Cadukone Bukit inscription tells the story of King Punta Yang Sri Jayanasa, who founded Srivijaya.

King Jayanasa expanded Srivijaya by conquering local kingdoms, such as Malay in 684.

By the 8th century, Srivijaya had control over the Malacca Straits, a crucial choke point for maritime trade.

The wealth of Srivijaya supported a large community of Buddhist monks and made its capital a center of Buddhist learning.

The influence of Srivijaya extended to smaller kingdoms, such as the Saliendra kings of Central Java, who built Borobudur.

Srivijaya faced attacks from foreign powers and pirates, including a series of raids by the Chola Empire starting in 1025.

Despite being weakened by the Chola invasion, Srivijaya remained a significant power until the 13th century.

By 1288, Srivijaya was conquered by the Singasari Kingdom.

Marco Polo visited Srivijaya in 1291-92, describing it as the richest and strongest state in Western Indonesia.

The kingdom was eventually erased from the map by 1400, partly due to the conversion to Islam.

Transcripts

among the great Maritime trading empires

of History the kingdom of srivijaya

based on the Indonesian island of

Sumatra ranks among the wealthiest and

most splendid

early records from the area are scarce

archaeological evidence suggests that

the kingdom may have begun to coalesce

as early as 200 CE and likely was an

organized political entity by the year

500.

its capital was near what is now

palumbang Indonesia

we know for certain that for at least

400 years between the 7th and 11th

century CE the kingdom of srivajaya

prospered from the rich Indian Ocean

trade

srivijaya controlled the kimalaka

Straits between the Malay Peninsula and

the islands of Indonesia through which

passed all sorts of luxury items such as

spices tortoiseshell silk Jewels camphor

and tropical Woods

the kings of srivijaya used their wealth

gained from transit taxes on these Goods

to extend their domain as far north as

what is Now Thailand and Cambodia on the

Southeast Asian mainland and as far east

as Borneo

first historical source that mentions

srivajaya is the Memoir of a Chinese

Buddhist monk I'd sing Who visited the

kingdom for six months in 671 CE he

describes a rich and well-organized

society which presumably had been in

existence for some time

a number of inscriptions in Old Malay

from the palumbang area which is dated

from as early as 682 also mentioned the

srivajain kingdom

the earliest of these inscriptions the

cadukone bukid inscription tells the

story of the Punta Yang SRI jayanasa who

founded srivajaya with the help of 20

000 troops

King giantsa went on to conquer other

local kingdoms such as Malay which fell

in 684 incorporating them into his

growing srivajyan Empire

with its base on Sumatra firmly

established in the 8th Century srivajaya

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 as a choke point

between the wealthy empires of China and

India srivajaya was able to accumulate

considerable riches and further Land by

the 12th century its reach extended as

far east as the Philippines the wealth

of srivijaya supported an extensive

community of Buddhist monks who had

contacts with their co-religionists in

Sri Lanka and the India mainland

the srivajayan capital became an

important center of Buddhist learning

and thought this influence extended to

smaller kingdoms within srivajias orbit

as well such as the saliendra kings of

Central Java who ordered the

construction of borobudur won the

largest and most magnificent examples of

Buddhist Monumental building in the

world

trivagaya presented a tempting Target

for foreign powers and for pirates in

1025 regendra Chola of the Chola Empire

based in Southern India attacked some of

the srivichand Kingdom's key ports in

the first of a series of raids that

would last at least 20 years

srivijaya managed to fend off the Chola

Invasion after two decades but it was

weakened by the effort

as late as 1225 Chinese author chojukwa

described srivajaya as the richest and

strongest state in Western Indonesia

with 15 colonies or tributary States

under its control

by 1288 however srivijaya was conquered

by the singasari Kingdom at this

tumultuous time in 1291-92 the famous

Italian traveler Marco Polo stopped in

srivijaya on his way back from Yuan

China

despite several attempts by fugitive

princes to revive srivajaya over the

next Century however the kingdom was

completely erased from the map by the

year 1400. one decisive factor in the

fall of srivajaya was the conversion of

the majority of Sumatran and Javanese to

Islam introduced by the very Indian

Ocean traders who had long provided

srivijaya's wealth

[Music]

thank you