Post Classical India and the Indian Ocean Basin Chapter 15

India became the dominant cultural force in south and southeast Asia during the postclassical era. It generated a cultural zone similar to that of China in east Asia. Unlike China, however, no centralized political authority rose in India. Instead, large regional kingdoms emerged.

Despite an absence of central political authority, powerful social and cultural themes worked to unite India as a distinct society. Hinduism and Islam displaced Jainism and Buddhism as the dominant religions in India, partly as a result of their ability to attract converts through attention to individual salvation.

Introduction of Islam to India Muslims came into India from the north through the Khyber Pass Military conquest Merchant traders Muslim Turks migration

In the 1200’s, Mahmud of Ghazni invaded northern India and established control over the area. His successors expanded that territory and it became an Islamic state known as the Delhi Sultanate.

The south of India remained Hindu and relatively free of Muslim influence although politically divided Chola kingdom (850‐1297 C.E.) conquered Ceylon and dominated the waters of the South China Sea.

Two Indian brothers established the Vijayanager kingdom (1336‐1565 C.E.), covering much of the same territory. Although the brothers were originally Muslim, they converted to the Hindu faith and the south remained Hindu.

Monsoons were important to trade. Reservoirs and canals used to store and transport water (especially in the South) This led to increased agricultural output, huge population growth and with it, urban growth. Trade in metals, spices and crops first developed internally in southern India.

The Hindu temples operated as religious centers, but also as tax collection centers, banks, trade and civic centers. This strengthened Hindu influence.

Religiously, India was split between the Muslims in the north and the Hindus in the south. The Sufi missionaries allowed the old rituals, and the bhakti movement tried to bring Islam and Hinduism together.

PRODUCTION AND TRADE Cross Cultural Trade Caste & Society Indian Ocean location made natural site for emporia & warehouses Caste & Society Islam challenged Caste system but during this time, became more complex Caste system helped maintain order in absence of strong central government

INDIAN SOCIETY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA Hindu and Buddhist influence design of the Khmer temples Arrival of Islam Quiet presence, not exclusive Allowed converts to retain local customs Melaka became predominately Islamic