The Expansion of Kingdoms and the Creation of Empires

The expansion of a kingdom into an empire was necessary to spread power and influence and to increase the economic resources. Ways employed to expand empires include war, tributary (ufti), marriage, and the use of myths and legends. Srivijaya, for instance, depended mainly on war through its huge military might.

Gifts in the form of Bunga Mas is an example of a tributary state in exchange for protection. Srivijaya sent tribute to China for protection but it also received tributes from smaller states in the region. Marriage is another method employed in the expansion of empires. Princes and princesses were married off to allies to strengthen political positions.

Even kings were married off to princesses from other states. Use legends and myths to illustrate the greatness of a king usually relate to the supernatural and magic. In the Malay Annals (Sejarah Melayu) it was claimed that the Sultan of Melaka descended from Iskandar Zulkarnain (Alexander the Great).

Emergence of kingdoms in SEA increase external relations notably with India and China. Relationship with India characterized by tolerance and at the level of cultural influence. Relationship with China was political in nature to expand its influence in the region.

Kingdoms in the region expected to recognize Chinas supremacy by sending tributes. China can cripple a state simply through discouragement of Chinese traders to carry out trading in the region. At one point China directed the merchants to move trading activities from Srivijaya to Melaka.