Early Kingdoms and Economic Concepts in Indonesia

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Sailendra

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8th–9th century Buddhist dynasty in Central Java, known for promoting Mahayana Buddhism and building Borobudur.

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Srivijaya

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7th–13th century Buddhist maritime empire based in Sumatra, dominant in Southeast Asian trade and Buddhist learning.

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Majapahit

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13th–16th century Hindu-Buddhist empire in East Java, famed for unifying much of the Indonesian archipelago; Gajah Mada was its legendary prime minister.

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Demak

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15th–16th century Islamic sultanate in Central Java, the first major Muslim kingdom on Java, key in spreading Islam.

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Mataram

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Ancient Mataram (8th–10th century): Hindu-Buddhist, built Prambanan and Sewu temples. Sultanate of Mataram (16th–18th century): Islamic kingdom, expanded Islam in Java.

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Borobudur

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8th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple in Central Java, built by Sailendra dynasty, the world’s largest Buddhist monument.

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Gajah Mada

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14th-century prime minister of Majapahit, famous for his oath to unify the archipelago under Majapahit rule.

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Indian traders

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Early facilitators of cultural and religious exchange; brought Hinduism, Buddhism, and later Islam to Indonesia through trade and settlement.

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Local rulers

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Adopted new religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam) for political legitimacy and economic advantage; played a key role in religious conversion and syncretism.

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Ulama

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Islamic scholars and religious leaders who guided communities, taught Islam, and played a major role in spreading and adapting Islam in Indonesia.