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Question 1

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The most prominent religions in Southeast Asia and South Asia between 1200-1450 were…

Answer 1

Hinduism
Islam
Buddhism

Question 2

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Briefly explain Hinduism and its influence.

Answer 2

An ethnic religion. Most prominent in India. Polytheistic, with ultimate goal of achieving moksha (breaking the cycle of death and rebirth and becoming one with brahman). Unified Indian culture for centuries through the Caste system.

Question 3

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What is the Caste system?

Answer 3

Hindu social hierarchy in which someone is born into one of five levels of superiority supposedly based on karma from the previous lifetime, and is unable to change castes. Provides incentive to do good works so as to acheive a higher caste in future lifetimes.

Question 4

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Briefly explain Buddhism.

Answer 4

Founded in India, but influence there declined significantly by 1200. A universal religion. Rejected caste system and emphasized equality of all people, but took on the idea of enlightenment and achieving oneness with the universe as well as karma and the cycle of reincarnation

Question 5

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Definition of an ethnic religion

Answer 5

A religion tightly bound to a particular peoples (e.g. Hinduism)

Question 6

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Definition of a universal religion

Answer 6

A religion which can be implemented in societies globally without totally disrupting their structure (e.g., Buddhism)

Question 7

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Explain the significance of the presence of Islam in India.

Answer 7

Turkic invaders established Dehli Sultanate, making Islam the elite’s religion throughout Southeast Asia and India, and the second most influential religion there.

Question 8

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Southeast Asia’s main religions

Answer 8

Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam
All underwent changes as they spread

Question 9

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Changes to Buddhism 1200-1450

Answer 9

Buddhism was weaning in South Asia because previously, it had been advertised to commoners and the general public. Increasingly, the idea of enlightenment was considered more exclusive and only pursued by monks.

Question 10

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Changes to Hinduism 1200-1450

Answer 10

Bahkti movement: encouraged equality of people, rejected traditional social hierarchy, emphasized devotion to one god

Question 11

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Changes to Islam 1200-1450

Answer 11

Sufism: emphasis on mystical experiences and less theological

Question 12

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Similarities between Bahktis and Sufis

Answer 12

More accessable to broad public, emphasis on mystical experiences, rejection of more elaborate religious teachings that the elite followed = it spread easier through masses of commoners

Question 13

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Resistance to Muslim rule in India

Answer 13

Rajput Kingdoms: warring Hindu kingdoms
Vijayanagara Empire in South India: Hindu Empire established by emissaries who converted from Islam back to their original Hindu faith and established a rival empire

Question 14

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Srivijaya Empire

Answer 14

Ruled from 7-11th century. Buddhist, influenced by Hindu culture. Held power over the Strait of Malacca and got rich over taxes imposed on passing boats.

Question 15

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Majapahit Empire

Answer 15

Ruled at end of 13th century on Java. Originally Hindu kingdom with Buddhist influence. Created a tributary sytem with smaller states in the region, allowing them to maintain power.

Question 16

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Sinhala Dynasties

Answer 16

Located in Sri Lanka. Buddhist, existed for extensive time period. Land-based

Question 17

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Khmer Empire

Answer 17

Land-based empire. A Hindu empire. Built Ankor Wat, a Hindu temple, but leaders later became Buddhist and added Buddhist elements: a prime example of syncretism