About 4th century AD the dynasty of Sri Vijaya founded its kingdom in
Sumatra. The kingdom expanded in the following three centuries as a full
fledged naval power supporting a vast commercial network.
The powerful Sri Vijayan Navy controlled the Sunda and Malacca Straits
and thus shaped the dynamics of Near Eastern and Indonesian trade with
China. Sri Vijaya kings extended their authority over Malay, Sumatra and
Java and warred against Champa and Annam.
They maintained a powerful navy which swept the sea of pirates and
corsairs. With the construction and improvement of more seaworthy ships
and better navigational skills, and the establishment of unified control
over access corridors to the South China and Java Seas by Sri Vijaya
which assure safe passage, there was a marked increase in the seaborne
trade.
There is some indication that Sri Vijaya had a large armed force of
about 20,000 men who were sent on an expedition against Java. Sri
Vijaya might use a naval force to deploy its armies to any point in its
“empire”.
One of the strengths of the kingdom was the effectiveness of the Orang
Laut. The Orang Laut or the sea warriors may have served as Sri Vijaya’s
naval strike force. The Orang Laut patrolled the sea lanes to
encourage traders to visit their ruler’s port city, while harassing or
destroying the ships of Sri Vijaya’s competitors.
Navy of Sri Vijaya Empire
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