Give a historiographical assessment of the Oceanic trade. Evaluate Van Leur’s hypothesis of ‘peddling trade’.

The historiography of Oceanic trade, particularly in Southeast Asia, has been shaped by various theories and interpretations over time. One influential hypothesis is the "peddling trade" theory proposed by Dutch historian J.C. van Leur. This theory challenges traditional views of Oceanic trade and emphasizes the role of small-scale traders and local networks in facilitating maritime commerce. Let's examine the historiography of Oceanic trade and evaluate van Leur's hypothesis:

1. Early Views of Oceanic Trade:
   Early scholarship on Oceanic trade often portrayed it as dominated by large empires and centralized states engaging in long-distance commerce. Historians focused on the role of powerful kingdoms like Srivijaya and Majapahit in controlling trade routes and extracting wealth from maritime exchanges.

2. Van Leur's 'Peddling Trade' Hypothesis:
   J.C. van Leur, in his influential work "Indonesian Trade and Society," proposed the concept of "peddling trade" to challenge these traditional narratives. He argued that Oceanic trade was not solely controlled by centralized states but was instead driven by a multitude of small-scale traders, merchants, and sailors operating within local and regional networks.

3. Key Aspects of the Peddling Trade Hypothesis:
   Van Leur emphasized the importance of indigenous traders, known as peddlers or "pedagang kecil," who conducted trade along coastal and riverine routes. These traders operated independently or within kinship-based networks, carrying goods such as spices, textiles, ceramics, and metals across Southeast Asia.

4. Role of Local Networks:
   According to van Leur, Oceanic trade was sustained by resilient local networks that connected producers, traders, and consumers across maritime Southeast Asia. These networks were characterized by flexibility, adaptability, and responsiveness to local demand, allowing for the circulation of goods at various scales.

5. Historiographical Impact:
   Van Leur's peddling trade hypothesis challenged Eurocentric perspectives that emphasized the dominance of large-scale empires in shaping Southeast Asian trade. It highlighted the agency and entrepreneurship of indigenous traders and emphasized the decentralized nature of Oceanic commerce.

6. Critiques and Revisions:
   While van Leur's hypothesis provided a valuable counterpoint to prevailing narratives, it has been subject to critiques and revisions by subsequent scholars. Some argue that van Leur may have underestimated the role of state-sponsored trade and the impact of political power on maritime networks.

7. Subsequent Scholarship:
   Subsequent scholarship on Oceanic trade has integrated insights from anthropology, archaeology, and economic history to provide a more nuanced understanding of maritime commerce in Southeast Asia. Studies have explored the coexistence of state-controlled and decentralized trade networks, as well as the socio-cultural dimensions of Oceanic exchange.

In conclusion, the historiography of Oceanic trade has evolved from traditional views of state-dominated commerce to more nuanced interpretations that emphasize the agency of local traders and the importance of decentralized networks. Van Leur's peddling trade hypothesis played a pivotal role in shifting scholarly perspectives and highlighting the diversity and complexity of Southeast Asian maritime economies. While subject to critiques and revisions, van Leur's emphasis on indigenous traders and local networks continues to inform contemporary studies of Oceanic trade and economic history in the region.