Although Suvarnadvipa is a mere geographical expression and a congeries of states, it came to be on two occasions, at least, almost a political entity. First, under the Sailendra kings from the end of the eighth to the beginning of the eleventh century A.D., and, secondly, in the palmy days of the empire of Majapahit.
Our knowledge regarding the Hindu colonies in the various small islands which dot the Pacific is very meager, and this volume primarily deals with the Indian colonies settled in the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Borneo.
The author has tried to bring together such information as we possess of the political history of the different regions constituting Suvarnadvipa, and have also dealt with the various aspects of civilisation of their people, viz., religion, literature, law and administration, social and economic conditions, and art.
The First Part of the work deals with the political history and the system of administration, The Second Part deals with law, society, art, religion, literature, and the economic condition of Suvarnadvipa. |
