Srivijaya was a Malay city state located in the island of
Sumatra in what is now the country of Indonesia. Srivijaya became a rich cultural
and trading center, and a regional hegemon due to being surrounded by the sea, and its close proximity to Sunda and
Malacca Straits. The straits were important
because much of the trading ships carrying spices, wood, and other raw
materials passes through them. Srivijaya was trading with China and controlled
the straits, making the state very prosperous and powerful. The state has
Buddhism as its main religion, and with its power and richness, established
several pilgrimages and shrines in the city too.
