Srivijaya

Srivijaya was a powerful Malay polity that existed from the 7th to the 13th centuries CE. Centered in Palembang (modern-day South Sumatra, Indonesia), Srivijaya controlled maritime trade routes in the Strait of Malacca, the Sunda Strait, and the South China Sea, becoming a major center for commerce and culture in Southeast Asia.

History:

The origins of Srivijaya are somewhat obscure, with the earliest definite evidence of its existence dating back to the 7th century. The Kedukan Bukit Inscription (682 CE) is often cited as a key source, mentioning the founding of a "holy settlement" that scholars generally associate with the rise of Srivijaya. Over the next centuries, Srivijaya expanded its influence, controlling key ports and trade routes. This control allowed it to accumulate wealth and power, dominating the surrounding region.

Srivijaya became a prominent center for Buddhist learning, attracting pilgrims and scholars from across Asia. The Chinese Buddhist monk I-Tsing spent several years in Srivijaya during the late 7th century, studying Sanskrit and translating Buddhist texts. He praised the kingdom's high level of Buddhist scholarship and described Palembang as a major center of Buddhist learning.

The kingdom's power began to wane in the 11th century, facing challenges from various sources, including the Chola dynasty of South India, who launched naval raids against Srivijaya in 1025 CE. These raids significantly weakened Srivijaya's control over its maritime empire. Further pressure came from other regional powers, such as the Javanese kingdoms of Kediri and Singhasari. By the 13th century, Srivijaya had fragmented into smaller entities, and its influence had largely disappeared.

Culture and Economy:

Srivijayan culture was heavily influenced by Indian traditions, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism. The kingdom's rulers adopted Indian concepts of kingship and governance, and Sanskrit served as a prestige language. However, Srivijaya also maintained its own distinct cultural identity.

The economy of Srivijaya was based primarily on maritime trade. The kingdom controlled strategic waterways, collecting tolls and taxes from ships passing through its territory. It also traded in commodities such as spices, gold, ivory, and timber. Agriculture also played a role, particularly in the interior regions of Sumatra.

Legacy:

Srivijaya left a lasting legacy in Southeast Asia. Its dominance of maritime trade helped to shape the region's economic and political landscape. Its patronage of Buddhist learning contributed to the spread of Buddhism throughout the archipelago. The kingdom's cultural influence can be seen in the art, architecture, and language of many Southeast Asian countries. The modern Indonesian island of Sumatra occupies much of the territory of the former kingdom, and Srivijaya is often invoked as a symbol of Indonesian history and national pride.