Srivijaya

Ancient Sumatran kingdom centered on Palembang in the Malacca Straits which came into being at the end of the 7th century and controlled the ports of Sumatra and peninsular Malaysia. Its rise might coincide with the fall of Funan. First mentioned by the Chinese pilgrim I-Ching as an important center of Buddhist learning and a relay station on the way to India, it was strong in the 7th-8th centuries and again in the 10th-13th centuries. Remains have been found at several sites: Muara Jambi, Kota Cina, Lobo Tuwa, Kampong Sungei Mas, Padang Lawas, Muara Takus, and Pengkalan Bujang.

An ancient Sumatran kingdom centred on Palembang, which came into being at the end of the 7th century and developed rapidly. This development may be linked with the dismemberment of Funan. First mentioned by the Chinese pilgrim I-Ching as an important centre of Buddhist learning and a relay station on the way to India, it soon controlled both the Sunda and Malaccan Straits and became the dominant power in the region. From the 9th century on the kingdom was ruled by the Sailendras; it came to an end in the 14th century.