Developments in South and Southeast Asia
What the books taught me, I’ve practised.
What they didn’t teach me, I’ve taught myself.
I’ve gone into the forest and wrestled with the lion. I didn’t get this far by teaching one thing and doing another.
—Lal Ded (1320–1392)
Learning Objectives
- G: Explain how the various belief systems and practices of South and Southeast Asia affected society over time.
- H: Explain how and why various states of South and Southeast Asia developed and maintained power over time.
The poetry of Lal Ded, known as Mother Lalla, illustrates a major cross-
interaction between religious traditions that shaped the history of South and Southern Asia. She was born in Kashmir, a region of northern India. While a Hindu, her emphasis on experience appealed to many Muslims, particularly Sufis. The interaction of Hindus and Muslims, though sometimes violent, created dynamic developments in religious thought, politics, economics, art, and architecture. Despite the strong Islamic presence in the region, local Hindu kingdoms continued to play a major role in India’s decentralized political landscape. A third religion, Buddhism, also had a strong presence in the area, particularly in the Sinhala dynasties in present-day Sri Lanka and the great kingdoms of Southeast Asia.
Sections
Political Structures in South Asia
Religion in South Asia
Social Structures in South Asia
Cultural Interactions in South Asia
Southeast Asia
Think As a Historian: THINK AS A HISTORIAN: IDENTIfY CLAIMS
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Reflect
REFLECT ON THE CHAPTER ESSENTIAL QUESTION
1. In one to three paragraphs, explain how various beliefs and practices in South and Southeast Asia affected society and the development of states.
AP Exam Practice
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