Journal Articles

State formation and the evolution of naval strategies in the Melaka Straits, c. 500–1500 CE

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The Strait of Melaka and connected waterways have been critical to, and directly affected, the formation of littoral states, societies and economies in eastern Sumatra, the Riau Islands, the Malay Peninsula, and Singapore. The history and nature of statehood in the region is interrelated to the way in which naval capabilities evolved, but, as argued in this article, perhaps not in the straightforward fashion often assumed. Naval capabilities and strategies evolved in tandem with state policy to adapt to changes in the wider Asian maritime political economy which was dominated at various times by China and India. This article examines the factors that affected maritime policy in the Melaka Straits c. 500 to 1500 CE, and the extent to which these furthered the viability of the mainly Malay port-polities, and in particular the regional hegemonic state of Srivijaya in eastern Sumatra. The study utilises textual records, epigraphic materials, and literature to reconstruct a more nuanced picture of maritime states and naval power in premodern Southeast Asia.

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Detail Information

Series Title

Journal of Southeast Asian Studies

Call Number

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Publisher

New York : Cambridge University Press., 2013

Collation

p. 380-399

Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

0022-4634

Classification

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Content Type

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Media Type

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Carrier Type

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Edition

Vol. 44, Number 3, October 2013, p.380 - 399

Subject(s)

Southeast Asia
Naval strategic

Specific Detail Info

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Statement of Responsibility

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