About this project

A relief showing the ancient Indian Boat on Raghunath Temple, West Bengal

Historical Background

From 290 BCE to the 15th century CE, Southeast Asia found itself deeply entrenched in the cultural embrace of the Indian sphere, as Hindu-Buddhist influences interwoven with local political structures. Kingdoms spanning from the southeast coast of the Indian subcontinent to distant lands like Burma, Thailand, and the Philippines fostered robust trade, cultural, and political ties. This interplay catalyzed the Indianisation and Sanskritisation of Southeast Asia, moulding its polities into Hindu-Buddhist Mandala. The assimilation was not merely one-sided; Indian culture, itself an amalgamation of diverse influences including Austroasiatic elements, found resonance in Southeast Asia's indigenous traditions. The Pallava and Chola empires, notably, played pivotal roles, fostering exchanges that reshaped Southeast Asian dynamics. As Buddhism gained ascendancy in Southeast Asia, it evolved into a minority religion in its Indian birthplace. Southern Indian merchants, educators, and spiritual guides sustained their influence in Southeast Asia until the dawn of the 16th century, imprinting a lasting legacy of shared cultural heritage and religious tolerance across the region.

The Indianisation of Southeast Asia was propelled by Austronesian and Indian maritime trade, notably the Spice trade and the Maritime Silk Road, along with emissaries of Ashoka and Buddhist missions from Emperor Ashoka the Great. In the later years, migration from the southern Indian states facilitated cultural exchange.

The adoption of Sanskrit as a language of religion and scholarship further solidified India's cultural foothold, establishing it as a centre of learning and intellectual discourse in the region. Indian epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata were retold and reinterpreted in local languages, blending indigenous folklore with Indian mythology. Moreover, the spread of Indianized kingdoms in Southeast Asia led to the adoption of Indian political institutions, administrative practices, and artistic traditions. This cultural diffusion not only enriched the artistic and intellectual heritage of the region but also facilitated the transmission of knowledge, technology, and philosophy, shaping the collective identity of South and Southeast Asian societies.

The Late Middle Ages marked a significant era of interconnectedness along the Maritime Silk Road, a vital segment of the historic Silk Road network that linked China with Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and beyond. Ma Huan's observations in Cochin underscored the economic vitality of this maritime route, where Indian coins held substantial value. This bustling trade network traversed numerous bodies of water, facilitating cultural exchanges and the dissemination of religions like Buddhism. Along the Silk Road, diverse religious beliefs such as Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam found new adherents as trading activities fostered the transmission of ideas and cultures. Buddhism, in particular, experienced a profound expansion, aided by missionary efforts and the patronage of rulers like Emperor Ashoka. Buddhist monasteries provided a sanctuary for travellers and played a pivotal role in spreading the faith. Nomadic mobility facilitated inter-regional contacts, while merchants, drawn to Buddhism's moral teachings, supported monasteries and contributed to its dissemination. The Silk Road also witnessed syncretism, as cultures adapted and exchanged customs. However, the rise of Islam in Central Asia marked a turning point, bringing an end to the Silk Road's role in transmitting Buddhism by the 7th century.

South Asia

Cambodia

Vietnam

Laos

Singapore

Aim of Project

With a deep appreciation for the historical legacy of Indian influence across South Asia and Southeast Asia, our project endeavors to meticulously chart 60 heritage monuments and sites throughout the region that bear the imprint of Indian culture or boast symbiotic ties with it. Employing a diverse array of data collection methodologies, mapping techniques, and comprehensive research, our project seeks to offer a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted relationships India has fostered with diverse regions across time. By meticulously cataloging these monuments and sites, our aim is to illuminate the intricate web of cultural exchanges, historical connections, and shared legacies that have shaped the collective heritage of South and Southeast Asia, thereby offering valuable insights into the rich tapestry of India's cultural diplomacy and historical influence in the region.