Coming of Islam in South and Southeast Asia

I. Islam in South Asia

A. India between 500-1000 CE

1. Politically Fragmented2. Culture Thrived3. Era of Religious

Toleration (Hindus, Buddhist, Muslims)

B. Muslim Invaders

1. First in 700 CE2. 1022-Capture Punjab

3. 1206-Capture Delhi

C. Delhi Sultanate

1. Leadership In India

2. Introduce Islam to India

Delhi Sultanate

3. Islam blends with Hinduism.

- Buddhism minimized

Delhi Sultanate

D. Carriers of Islam

1. Sufis2. Traders3. Peaceful

E. Patterns of Conversion

1. Mostly Buddhists converted

2. Sufis were viewed as holy men

E. Patterns of Conversion

3. Welcomed low and outcast of Hindu society

E. Patterns of Conversion

4. Escape Taxation

5. Intermarriage

E. Patterns of Conversion

6. Most successful in cities

(similar to Africa)

E. Patterns of Conversion

1. Number system

2. Achievements in math, music and astronomy

F. Indian Influences on Islamic Civilization

G. Roots of Conflict

MuslimsHeld strong to

monotheismAttacks on Hindu

religious centers.

High Caste HindusGoal: Halt ConversionsReemphasis on cult of

gods and goddesses

• 2 separate Religious communities

• India was least converted area• Hindu majority…Muslim Minority•Hindu objections to Islam: Muslims:• shunning pork & alcohol• eating beef• Avoiding religious music & statues• Practice of veiling & secluding women

H. Most Enduring Feature

• Vibrant Trading Network• Coastal Cities• Gujarat – W. Indian region

Arab Zone

Indian Zone

China Zone

Textiles

Carpets

Ivory

Gold

Slaves

Cotton

Salt

Paper, Silk Porcelain

Silver

Spices

Spices

Why was India in an ideal location to prosper from this trade?What evidence from the map suggests Islam would successfully spread to South and SE Asia?What important bodies of water facilitated the trade?

II. Islam comes to SE Asia

• Indian Ocean trade• Most impact in Coastal Areas• Merchants and Sufis• By way of Malacca• Coexist with traditional beliefs• Conversions steadily increase

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Contact and Influence in Southeast Asia

Buddhism Indian Economics/Merchants Arab Traders

Thesis prompt: Analyze the nature and results of contact in Southeast Asia._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________