The Sriwijaya Kingdom

 

The Sriwijaya Kingdom was a powerful maritime and commercial kingdom in Southeast Asia, centered in what is now Sumatra, Indonesia, flourishing between the 7th and 13th centuries. Here’s a detailed overview:

1. Origin and Location

• Founded: Around the 7th century CE.
• Center: Palembang (South Sumatra).
• Territory: At its height, it controlled parts of Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Java, and even the Philippines, dominating important maritime trade routes.

2. Government and Leadership

• System: Monarchy with a centralized administration.
• Rulers: Known as “Maharaja” or king.
• Notable rulers: Dapunta Hyang Sri Jayanasa (founder), Balaputradewa (expanded influence to Java and beyond).

3. Economy and Trade

• Maritime trade: Controlled the Straits of Malacca and Sunda, key points in international trade between India and China.
• Exports: Gold, camphor, resins, spices, and forest products.
• Imports: Silk, ceramics, and luxury goods from China and India.
• Influence: A key hub in the Indian Ocean trade network.

4. Religion and Culture

• Religion: Initially Hinduism and Buddhism; Mahayana Buddhism particularly thrived.
• Culture: Influenced by Indian culture in art, architecture, and governance.
• Education: Center of Buddhist learning; famous for the Nalanda connection in India.
• Inscriptions: Written in Old Malay using the Pallava script.

5. Military and Expansion

• Strong naval force that protected trade routes and colonies.
• Maintained influence over neighboring islands and kingdoms, sometimes as a suzerain.

6. Decline

• Declined around the 13th century due to:
• Invasions by Chola dynasty from India.
• Rise of Majapahit and other regional powers.
• Shifts in trade routes favoring Java and the Malay Peninsula.

7. Legacy

• Maritime heritage: Early example of a successful maritime empire in Southeast Asia.
• Cultural influence: Spread Buddhism, art, and literature.
• Historical sources: Primarily Chinese records, inscriptions, and archaeological evidence.

Sriwijaya Kingdom Timeline

Year (approx.)	Event / Ruler	Notes / Significance
7th century CE	Foundation by Dapunta Hyang Sri Jayanasa	Established Sriwijaya in Palembang; began expansion controlling Sumatra and Malay Peninsula.
683 CE	Sailendra connection in inscriptions	Early inscriptions mention trade and diplomacy with other kingdoms, indicating growing influence.
8th century CE	Expansion under Dapunta Hyang	Controlled the Malacca and Sunda Straits; established colonies in Java and Borneo.
9th century CE	Peak of maritime trade	Dominated Southeast Asian maritime trade; engaged in commerce with India and China.
1000 CE	Buddhist center	Sriwijaya became a hub of Mahayana Buddhism; monks traveled to/from Nalanda University in India.
1017 CE	Chola invasion	Rajendra Chola I of India attacked; temporarily disrupted Sriwijaya’s dominance over trade routes.
11th century CE	Balaputradewa	Strengthened ties with Java; built Buddhist monuments, possibly related to Borobudur influence.
12th century CE	Decline begins	Rise of rival kingdoms like Majapahit and shifting trade patterns reduced Sriwijaya’s influence.
1275 CE	Last mentions in Chinese records	By this time, Sriwijaya had largely lost political and economic power.

Key Highlights

• Religion: Mahayana Buddhism flourished; center of learning for monks.
• Trade: Controlled strategic maritime routes connecting China, India, and Southeast Asia.
• Culture: Indian influence in art, architecture, and writing; inscriptions in Old Malay.
• Legacy: Maritime empire model; spread of Buddhism; historical influence on later kingdoms like Majapahit.