Theme: 5. Knowledge-making: Institutions, Objects, Cultural Ownership

Indian Ocean Studies from Chinese Perspectives

Roundtable Convenor(s)

• DZ

  Danni Zhan

  Peking University, China

Roundtable Participant(s)

• ML

  Mingfei Li

  Institute of Ancient History, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
• YC

  Ying Cheng

  Peking University, China
• JL

  Jinxiu Li

  Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, China
• YG

  Yihua Guo

  Peking University, China

Roundtable Abstract:

Indian Ocean studies have recently gained considerable popularity. However, the discourse has predominantly been shaped by a Eurocentric framework, with scholars frequently relying on European primary sources and colonial texts. Recognizing the need to decolonize knowledge, there is a growing consensus among academics regarding the necessity of moving away from this Eurocentric lens and embracing local perspectives. Researchers from the Indian Ocean region, especially those in India and Africa, utilize vernacular materials to examine the Indian Ocean from a local viewpoint.

The advent of the Belt and Road Initiative has prompted Chinese scholars to reassess the historical connections between China and the Indian Ocean. As a key participant in the Indian Ocean region, China provides a diverse range of historical materials and perspectives that differ significantly from those of colonial forces. This unique vantage point has the potential to greatly enhance our understanding of the region’s history, aligning with the broader goal of achieving epistemic freedom in the Global South and enabling scholars to theorize and interpret history from their own cultural contexts.

In this roundtable, our aim is to explore multidimensional Indian Ocean Studies across regions, languages, and cultures in China. To achieve this, we will draw upon a wide range of sources, including primary Chinese materials and multilingual resources in Hindi, Persian, Malay, and English. These sources will encompass ancient texts, original archives, as well as literary and artistic works.

This roundtable builds upon extensive research in Chinese maritime history and the interpretation of multilingual materials. It seeks to provide a comprehensive examination of cultural interactions in the Indian Ocean region from a Chinese perspective. Our focus will cover various themes, such as religious interactions, artistic and literary exchanges, commodity trade, technological transfer, and population movements across regions. Ultimately, this roundtable aspires to reexamine the historical ties between China and the Indian Ocean, enriching our understanding of the exchanges and integration of diverse civilizations in the Indian Ocean.

Roundtable supported by: Peking University