Srivijaya, the sea empire
Srivijaya was the most powerful maritime empire of the early Malay World. Its centre was at Palembang in Sumatra, and it flourished roughly from the 7th to the 13th centuries. Srivijaya grew rich by controlling the Straits of Melaka — the busy sea route linking India and China. Ships passing through paid dues and traded, filling Srivijaya's ports. It was also a famous centre for the study of Buddhism, drawing monks from many lands.
Key idea
Whoever controlled the Straits of Melaka could grow wealthy from passing trade. This is why Srivijaya became so powerful.
Kedah Tua and the Bujang Valley
Kedah Tua (Old Kedah) was an important early kingdom on the Malay Peninsula. Its greatest treasure is the Bujang Valley, an archaeological site rich with the remains of ancient temples called candi. These finds prove that Kedah was a lively trading and religious centre for many centuries, linked to India and beyond.
Other early kingdoms
Other well-known early kingdoms included Langkasuka on the northern part of the Malay Peninsula and Gangga Negara. Because writing was rare, much of what we know about them comes from foreign records and from archaeology — the stone temples, beads, pottery and coins that survive in the ground. Together these clues show that the early Malay World was an active, connected place, not an empty land, and that its ports welcomed traders and travellers from far away.
Remember
- Srivijaya — centre Palembang, controlled the Straits of Melaka, a Buddhist centre.
- Kedah Tua — famous for the Bujang Valley and its candi.
- Langkasuka lay on the northern Malay Peninsula.