Madhavi Kahapala Arachchi
Poster Subject: Classics
Poster Title: Unveiling the East: William of Rubruck’s Journey to the Mongol Empire and European Perceptions of the East
Bio: Madhavi is pursuing a Master of Arts in History at Memorial University, focusing on medieval history and modern historiographical analysis. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Peace and Development Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in History. Her research includes the Buddhist Renaissance's impact on Sri Lankan nation-building, pre-modern state theoretical studies on Sri Lankan kingdoms, and William of Rubruk's cross-cultural contributions to historiography. Madhavi works as a customer care representative at the YMCA and previously coordinated for the International Center for Ethnic Studies with GIZ. Her work reflects dedication to interdisciplinary research and community engagement.
Abstract: William of Rubruck’s journey to the Mongol Empire in the 13th century represents a pivotal encounter that crossed physical and ideological borders. As a Franciscan friar, Rubruck embarked on a mission framed as religious but heavily influenced by European geopolitical concerns. His experiences offer unique insights into how geographical, religious, and cultural boundaries were navigated and redefined in medieval diplomacy. This paper explores the impact of Rubruck’s journey on European perceptions of the East, situating his experiences within the broader context of cross-cultural exchanges facilitated by the Mongol Empire’s dominance over the Silk Route. The empire's control enabled significant exchanges of goods, ideas, and religious beliefs, connecting diverse societies far beyond its borders. By analyzing contemporary Sri Lankan inscriptions, this research provides evidence of the Silk Route's extensive influence on South Asia, highlighting the interconnected nature of trade networks. Rubruck’s mission coincided with European efforts to establish alliances against Muslim forces, prompting questions about why the Mongol Empire was a strategic target and why his diplomatic role was disguised as purely religious. The study also investigates the motivations behind Rubruck’s detailed account of his journey and its impact on European audiences. His narrative reveals the permeability of ideological borders, portraying a tolerant and complex society. Using the Connected History approach, this research illustrates how Rubruck’s journey was part of a continuous process of cultural negotiation, contributing to our understanding of how borders functioned in medieval diplomacy, trade, and religious outreach.
Corresponding Author's Email: maadhimk@gmail.com