On the Southeast Asian islands powerful kingdoms were developing. A dynasty called Sailendra ruled an agricultural kingdom on the island of Java. Sailendra's kings left behind another one of the greatest architerctural monuments, the Buddhist temple at Borobudur. It was built around 800, and--like Angkor Wat--reflects Indian influence, with nine terraced levels, like a stepped pyramid. The Sailendra Dynasty ultimately fell under the power and domination of the empire of Srivijaya.

 

Its height from the seventh to thirteenth centuries, made it very prosperous. They ruled the Strait of Malacca as well as other waters around the islands of Sumatra, Borneo, and Java. It was able to grow wealthy by taxing the trade that passed through its waters. Srivijaya established their capital, Palembang, on Sumatra. Their capital became a center of Buddhist learning. It was where Chinese monks could study instead of traveling to India.