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Kantoli was an ancient kingdom suspected to be located somewhere between Jambi and Palembang in southern Sumatra around the 5th century of the common era.[1] The Sanskrit name for this polity is Kuntala.[2] Chinese records indicate that "Sanfotsi was formerly called Kantoli" and this as well as the location of the kingdom have led historians to consider Kantoli as the predecessor of Srivijaya.[1] Srivijaya was referred to as Sanfotsi by the Chinese.[3]
During the reign of the Liu Song dynasty in south China, Kantoli sent several embassies to China.[1] Trade between the two kingdoms were established and this granted Kantoli with great wealth through heavy dependency on volume from China.[1] With the conquest of south China by the Sui dynasty, volume of trade dwindled due to the new ruler's austerity.[1] The emperor banned all luxurious items in the courts which coincidentally were supplied by many, including Kantoli.[1]
Sri Varanarendra, king of Kan-t'o-li, sent the Hindu Rudra on an embassy to China between 454 and 464. His son, Vijayavarman, did the same in 519.[4]: 55