Answers with Explanations:
1. Identify ONE historical process in South or Southeast Asia that accounts for the religion of Srivijaya merchants in Quanzhou as reported in the passage.
The "Srivijaya" was an empire which originated in Palembang, Indonesia in the 7th century. Besides focusing on international sea trade, it was also keen on its religion, the Mahayana Buddhism. It was also having an active trading relationship with the Islamic Caliphate located in the Middle East. Trading with different people influenced the empire into incorporating some of the learned practices and traditions. This is the reason why, as stated in the passage, Muslims also make up the religion of Srivijaya merchants in Quanzhou.
2. Explain ONE aspect of economic development of China under the Song Dynasty that led to the flourishing of commerce that is reflected in the passage.
One aspect of economic development of China under the Song Dynasty which led to the flourishing of commerce was the increased number of commercial contacts that China had in the global market. With this, many merchants were eager to trade overseas. The passage mentioned about "foreign merchants" and such merchants included the rich Muslims from the Kingdom of Srivijaya. This was considered a breakthrough in China's early modern economy.
3. Explain ONE way in which the author's point of view, purpose, or intended audience may have influenced his assignment of the events described in the passage.
I believe the author of the passage is "Lin Zhiqi," a customs inspector in Quanzhou's port.
The purpose of the author is to attract more foreign merchants into the city of Quanzhou. He wanted to let them know that if they conduct their business in Quanzhou, they will be given the utmost respect and priority. He also wanted to show his gratefulness to the merchants coming from the Kingdom of Srivijaya, thus he mentioned the deed of Shi Nuowei.
