Peopling of Mainland Southeast Asia Handout

**Peopling of Mainland Southeast Asia** The formation of cultures in Mainland Southeast Asia has been a topic of interest in anthropology and history. Here are some points that can help in understanding this concept: - There are various theories about the origins of cultures in Mainland Sout...

**Peopling of Mainland Southeast Asia** The formation of cultures in Mainland Southeast Asia has been a topic of interest in anthropology and history. Here are some points that can help in understanding this concept: - There are various theories about the origins of cultures in Mainland Southeast Asia, including the **Bellwood's Mainland Hypothesis** and **Solheim\'s Island Hypothesis**. **Bellwood's Mainland Hypothesis** - According to Peter Bellwood, the ancestors of populations in Mainland Southeast Asia came from ancient Austronesian-speaking people who originated from Taiwan and traveled to Southeast Asia. This is known as the Austronesian diffusion theory or the out-of-Taiwan hypothesis. - According to this theory, the Austronesians originated from people in southern China or mainland Asia and migrated to Southeast Asia, Polynesia, and other areas. **Solheim\'s Island Hypothesis** - On the other hand, Wilhelm Solheim\'s Island Hypothesis suggests that the cultures in the region originated from trade and communication between the islands of Southeast Asia. \"Austronesian\" is a linguistic term, not a designation for race or culture. - Currently, many anthropologists believe in a combination of these theories, acknowledging the compatibility of multiple ideas. - Studies on the cultures of Mainland Southeast Asia continue to provide information about the histories of populations in the region. In conclusion, understanding the concept of the peopling of Mainland Southeast Asia is essential for gaining a deeper insight into the history of the populations in the region and their connections to other cultures in Asia and the Pacific. The development of cultures in Mainland Southeast Asia is debated in anthropology and history, with theories like the Bellwood's Mainland Hypothesis and Solheim\'s Island Hypothesis addressing population origins. Understanding these concepts is essential for grasping the region\'s history and its cultural connections to Asia and the Pacific. **Ancient Insular Civilizations** **Civilization** - a relatively high level of cultural and technological development - the stage of cultural development at which writing and the keeping of written records is attained Various kingdoms were established in Southeast Asia during its ancient times. These include Ayutthaya, Champa, Chenla, Funan, Pagan, and Vietnam. **Vietnam** The kingdom of Vietnam is characterized by numerous struggles against invasions from its neighboring China. Vietnam is China\'s source of products such as ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and aromatic woods. **Funan** The Kingdom of Funan was established in the 1st century in the southern part of present-day Cambodia. This kingdom remained powerful for 500 years. Hinduism was their main religion. Their trade with China and India flourished. By the end of the fifth century, Funan reached the peak of its success. In fact, its leader was appointed as the King of the Mountains. However, the Kingdom of Chenla seized power in the sixth century. **Angkor (Khmer)** The Kingdom of Chenla, located in the northern part of Cambodia, was a prosperous and wealthy kingdom in ancient times. It was established between the sixth and ninth centuries and is considered part of the Pre-Angkor period. The fall of Funan paved the way for Chenla to become the center of power in Cambodia. The Chenla culture inherited the Funan culture, and they also called their leader the King of the Mountains. Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire. Angkor Wat is considered the greatest temple of the civilization, with its concept derived from Hindu cosmology. It also served as the tomb of kings. **Kingdom of Pagan** The Kingdom of Pagan was founded in Burma, now known as Myanmar. It was primarily an agricultural community, and the monuments they built were truly remarkable. Buddhism was the main religion in the kingdom, and they engaged in maritime trade with Sri Lanka. This kingdom fell when they were conquered by the Thai. **Toungoo Dynasty** King Mingyi Nyo founded the Toungoo Dynasty (1485-1569), which extended to the Sittaung River in southern Burma/Myanmar. When the Shan people conquered the neighboring kingdom of Inwa, the people moved to Toungoo because they spoke the same Burmese language. During the reign of King Mingyi Nyo's son, King Tabinshwehti, the kingdom expanded further south to the Irrawaddy Delta. When European traders arrived, Burma/Myanmar became an important trading center. **Lê Dynasty** The Lê Dynasty ruled Vietnam from 1428 to 1789. It was divided into two periods: the Primitive Lê and the Revived Lê. This dynasty expanded Vietnam\'s territory significantly, southward into the Kingdom of Champa and northward into the territories of Laos and Burma/Myanmar. During this period, Vietnam's primary religion shifted from Buddhism to Confucianism. The Lê emperors introduced reforms based on Chinese legal and administrative systems. European influences and Christianity also began arriving during this time. **Kingdom of Ayutthaya** The Kingdom of Ayutthaya (1351-1767) was a powerful empire in what is now Thailand. A trader from a Chinese family, named Ramathibodi, ruled and spread Buddhism across the land. He created a code based on Hindu and Thai traditions, which served as the foundation of Thai law until the 19th century. **Ancient Civilizations in the Southeast** **Srivijaya Empire** Srivijaya, meaning \"Great Victory,\" was a prosperous kingdom on the island of Sumatra (600-1300), now part of Indonesia. Rich in gold, it expanded its territory to the Malay Peninsula and parts of Java. Buddhism was the dominant religion, and from the 7th to the 11th century, Srivijaya became a powerful naval empire, attracting traders from Arabia, India, and Africa for its precious metals, wood, and spices. **Majapahit Empire** The Majapahit Empire (1293-1528) was the second powerful empire in Indonesia. Through warfare, they seized power from the Srivijaya. They conquered Borneo, Celebes, and the Moluccas. However, piracy gradually weakened the Majapahit until only Malacca remained under their control. The final challenge that brought down the Majapahit was the spread of Islam. In 1528, Muslim Javanese successfully took over the Majapahit. **Malacca Empire** The Malacca Empire (1403-1511) was located in what is now Malaysia. It was a center of vast trade. From a strong base in Malacca, the religion and culture of Islam spread throughout the Malay Peninsula, the Indonesian archipelago, and even to the southern part of the Philippines. **Sailendra/Shailendra/Selendra (King of Mountains)** The Sailendra/Shailendra/Selendra dynasty ruled over a large part of the island of Java in Indonesia from 750 to 850, following the fall of the Funan kingdom. This dynasty is known for its rich culture, deeply connected to Buddhism. This is reflected in the creative temples and monuments built during their reign. 717-760: Sanyaja 760-775: Rakal Panangkaran 775-800: Dharanindra 800-812: Samaragrawira 812-833: Samaralungga 833-856: Paramodhawardhani, ruled together with her husband, Rakal PikatinAside from the temples, now famous structures, and monuments, no other traces of the Sailendra/Shailendra/Selendra Dynasty remain today. **Philippines** While the rest of Southeast Asia was establishing empires, the Philippines was composed of barangays, the simplest form of community. Each barangay consisted of 30 to 100 families. The concept came from the word balangay, a seafaring vessel used by Austronesians as they traveled from China down to Southeast Asia. Each barangay was led by a datu. These barangays also formed alliances, which were headed by a lakan. Larger alliances of barangays were led by a raja.The rich indigenous culture of the Philippines was further enriched by influences from the Austronesians, Chinese, and Muslims until the Spanish colonization in the 15th century. **Philippines\' Relationship with Ancient Civilizations in Southeast Asia** The Philippines has a unique culture and is recognized as a sovereign nation composed of more than 7,100 islands, with Luzon and Mindanao as major centers. Due to the region's climate and lifestyle, there is limited archaeological evidence that provides information about life in ancient times. **People of the Philippines in Ancient Times** Archaeological findings reveal early inhabitants in the Philippines, including the Aeta or pygmy groups from Asia and the Malay, ancestors of modern Filipinos. Linguistic connections between Philippine languages like Tagalog and Visayan and those spoken in southern China provide further insight into the origins of the Filipino people. **Evidence** a\. The first settlers in the Philippines were of Mongoloid descent, which can still be observed today. The gradual spread of Islam from Borneo to the central and northern islands was interrupted by the arrival of Spanish Christians. b\. In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan and his crew arrived in the Philippines, becoming the first Europeans and Christians to sail around the world. Their records of the visit became an essential part of Philippine history. c\. Spain\'s failure to advance in the Philippines was largely due to the lack of unity among native Filipinos in following Spanish rule. Though initially united by shared religion, Filipinos ultimately bonded over their shared resentment of the Spanish and their influence. d\. The history of the Philippines began during the Spanish period, which altered the native religion and destroyed earlier records of the country. However, even before this influence, the culture of the ancestors was rich and advanced. **Key Influences of India:** - Introduction of Hinduism and Indian literature - Arrival of Indian merchants and establishment of Hindu communities - Advancement of knowledge in architecture and dance - Development of written languages like Pali, related to Sanskrit - Formation of civilizations like the Khmer in Angkor Wat **Key Influences of China:** - Arrival of Chinese merchants and colonialists - Introduction of Taoism and Confucianism - Implementation of Chinese mercantilism and systems of weights and measures - Introduction of traditional Chinese medicine and practices like kite-flying - Blending of Chinese and local cultures in areas under their influence **Ancient Beliefs and Traditions in the Philippines** Our ancestors believed in a supreme being whom they recognized as **Bathalang Maykapal**. They believed that Bathala was the creator of all things in the world. The Visayans called him **Laon or Abba**, the Zambals called him **Fakasi**, the Bicolanos referred to him as **Gugurang**, and the Ilocanos and Ifugaos called him **Kabunlan**. **They also believed in many other gods such as\...** **Idianale- goddess of agriculture** **Magwayen- goddess of afterlife** **Sidapa- god of death** **Mandarangan- god of war** **Agni- god of fire** Our ancestors believed in life after death. They believed in and worshipped the spirits of their deceased ancestors. They also believed that these spirits interacted with them in their daily lives. These spirits could become angry, pleased, or protect them. They created human-like figures or carvings representing these spirits, known as anito, like the **Bulul** of the Ifugao. They honored these spirits by offering gifts or sacrifices. **Bulul-Ifugao Rice God** Some believe that the religion of our ancestors was animism, as they held that natural objects and elements like rivers, mountains, and animals had spirits. They worshiped these nature spirits, as well as celestial bodies like the moon and stars. A notable example of their spiritual beliefs is the burial jar from Manunggul, Palawan, which features a lid design showing two deities guiding a soul to the afterlife. **Ways of Worshipping** Our ancestors offered sacrifices and gifts to their anito (spirits). These were accompanied by ceremonies led by the **babaylan** or **katalona**, who were the equivalent of priests today. The babaylan would lead while our ancestors danced and sang praises to their spirits and gods. Their offerings included food, flowers, fruits, and animals like pigs, goats, and chickens. The Tagalogs called this kind of ceremony **pandot.** **Different Forms of Art and Architecture** **Art --** Our ancestors were highly skilled in art. They were experts in carving and sculpting. Their homes, boats, musical instruments, and other tools were beautifully adorned with carvings. **Literature --** Even in ancient times, our ancestors had literature. Their literature was rich and came in two forms: oral and written. Examples of oral literature include sayings, proverbs, lullabies, riddles, war songs, and boat songs. Written literature consisted of plays and poems about love, war, legends, and heroes. Our ancestors wrote their literature in the ancient script **baybayin.** They also had poems such as dalit, tigsik (satirical poetry), and ambahan (the traditional poetry of the Mangyan). They had epics like the Darangen of the Maranao, Hudhud of the Ifugao, Hinilawod of Iloilo, and Biag ni Lam-ang of Ilocos. Proverbs or sayings were usually short lessons drawn from experience, with rhyming words or phrases at the end.