Tropical Africa and Asia Chapter 13

1. Tropical Africa and AsiaChapter 13 Indian Ocean Trade and Social and Cultural Change Indian Ocean Trade and Social and Cultural Change Tropical Africa and AsiaChapter 13 (http://taos-telecommunity.org/epow/EPOW-Archive/archive_2009/EPOW-090119_files/P1080554%20bai%20in%20Salonga%20NP%20MAIN.jpg)

2. Indian Ocean Trade • This popular trade network stretched across the Indian Ocean from Iran and Arabia to Southeast Asia. It connected to Europe, Africa, and China. It was the world’s richest maritime trading route and included rapid Muslim expansion. • Some of the major trading areas that are part of the territory of Africa include Banadir Coast, Mrima Coast, Mozambique and Madagascar. They produced and exported food items such as grain, salt, fruits and rice (http://www.i3pep.org/print-version/85/#). • Because of the increasing boom of the African, Asian, and European states, the trade in the Indian Ocean was allowed (Bulliet 338). • This particular economic advancement also allowed for new technologic innovations. The most significant were two traveling ships called the Dhow and Junk. • The Dhow is said to have origins in the Arabian Peninsula, India and East Africa. Some of its kinds are labeled by their shape. Two that are well respected are Ghanjah and Baglah (http://www.archaeology.org/9705/abstracts/dhow.html). • The most significant and famous of all vessels was the Junk. It was said to originate in China, and it was constructed from heavy spruce that were united by gigantic nails (Bulliet 338). • Indian Ocean Trade • This popular trade network stretched across the Indian Ocean from Iran and Arabia to Southeast Asia. It connected to Europe, Africa, and China. It was the world’s richest maritime trading route and included rapid Muslim expansion. • Some of the major trading areas that are part of the territory of Africa include Banadir Coast, Mrima Coast, Mozambique and Madagascar. They produced and exported food items such as grain, salt, fruits and rice (http://www.i3pep.org/print-version/85/#). • Because of the increasing boom of the African, Asian, and European states, the trade in the Indian Ocean was allowed (Bulliet 338). • This particular economic advancement also allowed for new technologic innovations. The most significant were two traveling ships called the Dhow and Junk. • The Dhow is said to have origins in the Arabian Peninsula, India and East Africa. Some of its kinds are labeled by their shape. Two that are well respected are Ghanjah and Baglah (http://www.archaeology.org/9705/abstracts/dhow.html). • The most significant and famous of all vessels was the Junk. It was said to originate in China, and it was constructed from heavy spruce that were united by gigantic nails (Bulliet 338). (http://library.thinkquest.org/C007541F/arabian_dhow.jpg)

3. The trade of the Indian Ocean served a social purpose, and had little to do with the procedures of the government. Each area had its different contributing factors. For examples, the area of East Africa contributed the maritime trading network with gold, while the regions of the Middle East and the Mediterranean shipped horses and goods (Bulliet 339). • The trading regions of Swahili and Zimbabwe were socially affected due to the exchanging of goods with the Arabic and Persian civilizations. Some of the words used in African script were used from the Arabic language. • Aden was one of the cities located in Arabia and its geographic position made it a very significant factor for the Indian Ocean Trade. It was one of the cities that included monsoons and was near the Red Sea. Because of its climate, the region was able to acquire enough rainfall for the amount of water. • In addition, many of the traders decided to explore the area and exchange goods with India, the Persian Gulf, East Africa, and Egypt (Bulliet 342). • Among the important factors that were affected by the Indian Ocean Trade is religion. Because of the relationships with different cultures and traditions, we can observe some kind of religious tolerance between nations. • Gujarat, however, was not as lucky. It was greatly affected by political turmoil and a weak military force (Bulliet 342). • The trade of the Indian Ocean served a social purpose, and had little to do with the procedures of the government. Each area had its different contributing factors. For examples, the area of East Africa contributed the maritime trading network with gold, while the regions of the Middle East and the Mediterranean shipped horses and goods (Bulliet 339). • The trading regions of Swahili and Zimbabwe were socially affected due to the exchanging of goods with the Arabic and Persian civilizations. Some of the words used in African script were used from the Arabic language. • Aden was one of the cities located in Arabia and its geographic position made it a very significant factor for the Indian Ocean Trade. It was one of the cities that included monsoons and was near the Red Sea. Because of its climate, the region was able to acquire enough rainfall for the amount of water. • In addition, many of the traders decided to explore the area and exchange goods with India, the Persian Gulf, East Africa, and Egypt (Bulliet 342). • Among the important factors that were affected by the Indian Ocean Trade is religion. Because of the relationships with different cultures and traditions, we can observe some kind of religious tolerance between nations. • Gujarat, however, was not as lucky. It was greatly affected by political turmoil and a weak military force (Bulliet 342). (http://preparednesspro.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/rice.jpg)

4. Some of the Gujarat traders played a significant role in religion, and helped spread the Islamic faith amongst East Indian traders. Its most important goods are cotton, linen and Silk cloth, which were very popular in the regions of Europe, Africa and the Middle East. • Throughout the Malabar Coast region, many of the cities duplicated their profits due to Gujarat, and the main religious group who controlled the exchange were the Muslims. Jewish traders also controlled some of the trading, but they didn’t have as much influence. • Another region who was very important for the prosperity of this maritime network was China, located in the area of Southeast Asia. China’s main entrance was through the Strait of Malacca (Bulliet 343). • Malacca’s trading history begins when the occurrence of political battles between the kingdoms of Majapahit and Siam. Both regions and their rulers longed for the territory of the Malay Peninsula. • Due to the intervention of a fleet sent by the Chinese government, the pirates that governed Siam were conquered. Because of the internal struggles that Majapahit faced, it was not able to take control of the area. As a result, a small part of the strait called Malacca came under the rule of Palembang. ( Bulliet 343). • A significant change was when its ruler converted from Hinduism to Islam and opened the doors to trade with Gujarati and the regions who were dominated by the Muslims throughout the Indian Ocean Commerce (Bulliet 343). • Malacca was one of the meeting points for traders from India and China, and had a variety of social customs and traditions. Because of its variety of languages and culture, it had a popular and positive reputation. • Some of the Gujarat traders played a significant role in religion, and helped spread the Islamic faith amongst East Indian traders. Its most important goods are cotton, linen and Silk cloth, which were very popular in the regions of Europe, Africa and the Middle East. • Throughout the Malabar Coast region, many of the cities duplicated their profits due to Gujarat, and the main religious group who controlled the exchange were the Muslims. Jewish traders also controlled some of the trading, but they didn’t have as much influence. • Another region who was very important for the prosperity of this maritime network was China, located in the area of Southeast Asia. China’s main entrance was through the Strait of Malacca (Bulliet 343). • Malacca’s trading history begins when the occurrence of political battles between the kingdoms of Majapahit and Siam. Both regions and their rulers longed for the territory of the Malay Peninsula. • Due to the intervention of a fleet sent by the Chinese government, the pirates that governed Siam were conquered. Because of the internal struggles that Majapahit faced, it was not able to take control of the area. As a result, a small part of the strait called Malacca came under the rule of Palembang. • A significant change was when its ruler converted from Hinduism to Islam and opened the doors to trade with Gujarati and the regions who were dominated by the Muslims throughout the Indian Ocean Commerce (Bulliet 343). • Malacca was one of the meeting points for traders from India and China, and had a variety of social customs and traditions. Because of its variety of languages and culture, it had a popular and positive reputation. (upload.wikimedia.org/.../2b/StraitOfMalacca.jpg )

5. Social and Cultural Change • Some of the factors that critically affected the social and political customs of the subjects include the state growth, commercial expansion, and the spread of Islam. • Among the most important change in social and cultural traditions was the architecture. Mosques and temples became places for education AND worship, and some of the Muslim population decided to spread literacy so that their sons (sometimes daughters) could read the classic texts. • Advanced Muslim scholars immersed themselves in scientific and mathematical studies, as well as the Islamic law an theology (Bulliet 344). • Most of the Muslims who traded and formed part of social relations merely convinced the subjects, instead of using force. This procedure was much more effective with the citizens. • Islam became the ruling religion throughout several kingdoms in Southeast Asia. Not only did it spread with the power of persuasion, but it also gained control by invasions and attacks against other major cultures. One example is India, whose main religion was Buddhism. Muslim invasions retrieved Buddhism to its lowest point, and monks were either killed or sent into exile. • Throughout most of Southeast Asia, Islam replaced Hinduism and became the most widespread religion . • Social and Cultural Change • Some of the factors that critically affected the social and political customs of the subjects include the state growth, commercial expansion, and the spread of Islam. • Among the most important change in social and cultural traditions was the architecture. Mosques and temples became places for education AND worship, and some of the Muslim population decided to spread literacy so that their sons (sometimes daughters) could read the classic texts (Bulliet 343). • Advanced Muslim scholars immersed themselves in scientific and mathematical studies, as well as the Islamic law an theology (Bulliet 344). • Most of the Muslims who traded and formed part of social relations merely convinced the subjects, instead of using force. This procedure was much more effective with the citizens. • Islam became the ruling religion throughout several kingdoms in Southeast Asia. Not only did it spread with the power of persuasion, but it also gained control by invasions and attacks against other major cultures. One example is India, whose main religion was Buddhism. Muslim invasions retrieved Buddhism to its lowest point, and monks were either killed or sent into exile. • Throughout most of Southeast Asia, Islam replaced Hinduism and became the most widespread religion (Bulliet 345). (gupshupcommunity.com)

6. An important contribution that was caused by the increasing popularity of Islam was that it respected the traditions and cultures of its territories, which helped develop African, Indian, and Indonesian varieties (Bulliet 345). • Alongside the growth of he elite and the wealthy class came the distinction of gender and the difference. With these also came one of the highest eras regarding slave trade. Some of these included the “infidels” ( Bulliet 345) of Hinduism. • The majority of the slaves habituated Ethiopia and other parts of Africa. Some came from regions in Asia, such as the Swahili Coast, India, and China. • Most of the slaves had a special purpose. These include forming part of the military service, or performing trade with other nations. However, most of the wealthy classes used them as servants. Their chores would also depend on their gender. Males were responsible for the guardianship of harems, while women served as entertainers and concubines. • The difference between the rights and women and men were very noticeable. Men could practice infidelity, while women were socially punished for committing such an act against their customs. Throughout the advance of the decades, the situations of Hindu women are said to be improved. Still, most of the parents married their daughters before reaching the age of puberty. • While being married, a women is considered as property of her husband. Otherwise, a female is considered the property of her father, or the property of her owner if she was captured as a slave. Needless to say that they didn’t have much rights when it came to matters such as commerce, administration and religion (Bulliet 346). • An important contribution that was caused by the increasing popularity of Islam was that it respected the traditions and cultures of its territories, which helped develop African, Indian, and Indonesian varieties (Bulliet 345). • Alongside the growth of he elite and the wealthy class came the distinction of gender and the difference. With these also came one of the highest eras regarding slave trade. Some of these included the “infidels” (345) of Hinduism. • The majority of the slaves habituated Ethiopia and other parts of Africa. Some came from regions in Asia, such as the Swahili Coast, India, and China. • Most of the slaves had a special purpose. These include forming part of the military service, or performing trade with other nations. However, most of the wealthy classes used them as servants. Their chores would also depend on their gender. Males were responsible for the guardianship of harems, while women served as entertainers and concubines. • The difference between the rights and women and men were very noticeable. Men could practice infidelity, while women were socially punished for committing such an act against their customs. Throughout the advance of the decades, the situations of Hindu women are said to be improved. Still, most of the parents married their daughters before reaching the age of puberty. • While being married, a women is considered as property of her husband. Otherwise, a female is considered the property of her father, or the property of her owner if she was captured as a slave. Needless to say that they didn’t have much rights when it came to matters such as commerce, administration and religion (Bulliet 346). (http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/online/wallpapers/graphics/1024x768/)

7. Women were taught to have absolutely no education due to their “inferior” sex when compared against the intellectual power of men. Their most important responsibility was to create and have children. They were held responsible for the upbringing of the child (http://www.blurtit.com/q703553.html). • In some places, such as China, the married women had to prove herself to the family of her new husband, but was also expected to be already married at the age of 13. • Some of the activities that women were allowed and enjoyed performing were food preparation, work in the farms, and the practice of the Muslim religion (Bulliet 346). • Although it isn’t very much acknowledged, women dedicated themselves to the brewing of beer. This beverage was used for social rituals for men and played a role in their relaxation period. • Also, women dedicated themselves to ceramics and making clothing. Due to the creation of the spinning wheel, Spinning became very common. Some men decided to practice weaving. • Farm work is amongst the popular activities that females performed in their household. They collected heavy loads of food, water, and wood in order to prepare meals and they would use their heads to support them (Bulliet 346). • A very significant action done by some women was to become a part of Islam. They changed their religion to Muslim in order to improve their statues. Women who decided to keep their present situation became either servants an concubines. • The actions and roles that women played in their household had a social impact in their community and the traditions of their society. • Women were taught to have absolutely no education due to their “inferior” sex when compared against the intellectual power of men. Their most important responsibility was to create and have children. They were held responsible for the upbringing of the child (http://www.blurtit.com/q703553.html). • In some places, such as China, the married women had to prove herself to the family of her new husband, but was also expected to be already married at the age of 13. • Some of the activities that women were allowed and enjoyed performing were food preparation, work in the farms, and the practice of the Muslim religion (Bulliet 346). • Although it isn’t very much acknowledged, women dedicated themselves to the brewing of beer. This beverage was used for social rituals for men and played a role in their relaxation period. • Also, women dedicated themselves to ceramics and making clothing. Due to the creation of the spinning wheel, Spinning became very common. Some men decided to practice weaving. • Farm work is amongst the popular activities that females performed in their household. They collected heavy loads of food, water, and wood in order to prepare meals and they would use their heads to support them (Bulliet 346). • A very significant action done by some women was to become a part of Islam. They changed their religion to Muslim in order to improve their statues. Women who decided to keep their present situation became either servants an concubines. • The actions and roles that women played in their household had a social impact in their community and the traditions of their society. (http://www.rhiw.com/hanes_pages/gwlan/spinning_wheel_two.jpg)

8. POP QUIZ!!!! • What was the role of the Chinese Government in the battle between the Kingdom of Siam and Majapahit? • a. They merely observed the outcome c. The Chinese were in a different area • b. The interfered with military power d. They assisted another region • e. The kingdom of Siam and Majapahit were very discreet. • What role did religion play in the prosperity of Malacca? • a. It opened the door for wealthy commerce c. It isolated the region • b. It didn’t have much of a purpose. d. the people disregarded it. • e. it caused the area to become a dictatorship • How did women have an effect on the community? • a. They performed the required jobs • b. They entertained and served as concubines • c. They stayed home without performing any activities • d. They were not allowed to go out of their house. • e. Most of them thought it enough to only attend their own families. POP QUIZ!!!! 1.What was the role of the Chinese Government in the battle between the Kingdom of Siam and Majapahit? a. They merely observed the outcome c. The Chinese were in a different area b. The interfered with military power d. They assisted another region e. The kingdom of Siam and Majapahit were very discreet. 2.What role did religion play in the prosperity of Malacca? a. It opened the door for wealthy commerce c. It isolated the region b. It didn’t have much of a purpose. d. the people disregarded it. e. it caused the area to become a dictatorship 3.How did women have an effect on the community? a. They performed the required jobs b. They entertained and served as concubines c. They stayed home without performing any activities d. They were not allowed to go out of their house. e. Most of them thought it enough to only attend their own families. (http://www.chinainstitute.org/_data/global/images/photo_lg_china.jpg)

9. Bibliography: Book Bulliet, Richard W. The Earth and Its People. Third ed. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2005. Print Websites: http://www.i3pep.org/print-version/85/# http://www.archaeology.org/9705/abstracts/dhow.html http://www.blurtit.com/q703553.html (http://www.hickerphoto.com/data/media/185/picture-of-aragon-spain_12041.jpg)