Islam in Southeast Asia

Islam and India India- historically had absorbed invaders (partly b/c of superiority of culture). Inability of India’s rulers to unite against aggressors meant periodic disruptions- now India faces a culture as great as its own and a new religion opposite of its own Warriors, traders, Sufi mystics, etc. brought Islam to India Some interaction okay but often there was conflict year old Muhammad ibn Qasim led campaign and declared the region and the Indus valley provinces of the Umayyad Empire (following an attack from pirates sailing from Sind) Arabs learn Indian scientific and math learning (esp. numerals) and adapt some architectural styles 2 nd wave of Muslim invasions o Mahmud of Ghazni- 962 seized Afghanistan and began two centuries of raiding northern India o Muhammad of Ghur – string of victories brought the Indus valley and northern India under its control

Delhi Sultanate Converts won easily- Sufi mystics helped, Buddhists made up majority of converts followed by lower-caste groups and untouchables- also intermarriage Generally peaceful exchange and coexistence- Hindus convinced that the Muslims would be absorbed- Hindu disdain for invaders- remained socially aloof from invaders- unfortunate consequences for women Hindus found Islam impossible to absorb- reverted back to devotional cults of gods and goddesses Some mystics minimized the differences in religions but could only attract a small following Despite some success at conversion, a majority of the Indian subcontinent was never converted

Islam in Southeast Asia Historically the islands in SE Asia a neutral ground b/c of trade From 8 th century onward, coastal Indian trade increasingly came under the Muslim control 13 th century- collapse of the trading empire of Shrivijaya- opened the way for the Muslims to take control Peaceful contacts and voluntary conversion more important in spreading faith- here trading contacts paved way for conversion Malacca and Demak- cities to convert B/c Sufi mystics played huge role- Islam here often infused with Hindu, Buddhist, animist beliefs and rituals Pre-Muslim rituals retained in many areas- women retained strong position