Sri Indravarman facts for kids
Sri Indravarman was an important king of the Srivijaya Kingdom in the 8th century. He helped his kingdom connect with powerful empires far away. He sent special representatives to China and exchanged letters with leaders in the Middle East. This showed that Srivijaya was a strong kingdom with good connections around the world.
Contents
Who Was Sri Indravarman?
Sri Indravarman was a ruler, or king, of the Srivijaya Kingdom. This kingdom was a very powerful and wealthy empire in Southeast Asia a long time ago. It was known for its strong navy and control over important sea trade routes. Sri Indravarman ruled during the 8th century, which means the 700s CE. His name was written in Chinese records as Che-li-t'o-lo-pa-mo.
Building Friendships Across the World
King Indravarman worked hard to build relationships with other big empires. He did this by sending special messengers, called ambassadors or emissaries, to faraway lands.
Connections with China
Indravarman sent ambassadors to the Tang dynasty in China three times. These visits happened in:
- 702 CE
- 716 CE
- 724 CE
These trips were important for trade and for showing Srivijaya's power. They helped keep the peace and allowed goods and ideas to be shared between the two kingdoms.
Letters to the Middle East
King Indravarman also sent letters to the Umayyad Caliphate, a large Islamic empire in the Middle East. He sent letters around:
- 680 CE
- 718 CE
These letters show that Srivijaya had connections not just with East Asia, but also with West Asia. This wide network of friends and trading partners helped Srivijaya become very rich and influential.
Global Trade and Influence
The many connections Sri Indravarman made with China and the Umayyad Caliphate show that Srivijaya was a major player in global trade. During his time, Srivijaya was a hub where goods and cultures from different parts of the world met. This helped the kingdom grow and become even more powerful.
What Happened Next?
After Sri Indravarman, his son Rudra Vikrama became the new king. Rudra Vikrama continued his father's work of sending ambassadors to China. This shows that building strong international relationships was very important for the Srivijaya Kingdom for many years.
