INDIANISATION IN SEA
In this exhibition, we will be examining how the Hindu/ Buddhist cultures, philosophy and belief systems have uniquely shaped the political and social aspects of ancient Southeast Asia.
Process of Indianisation
During Indianisation, Hinduism and Buddhism spread in Southeast Asia. Previously, Southeast Asians believed in animism (a belief that there are spirits everywhere, in trees, along roads or in waterfalls). People thought that the spirits must be ‘appeased’ with food and shrine to keep these areas safe, or less, they will be punished. Hinduism was thus able to spread quickly in Southeast Asia as the Brahmins claimed that Hinduism was the manifestation of the Hindu Gods and a bridge to higher spirits. Because of Southeast Asians’ existing belief in manifestation of the Gods in the spirits, they could accommodate this enchanting, fascinating and majestic ideas of Hinduism.
In this exhibition, we will be examining how the Hindu/ Buddhist cultures, philosophy and belief systems have uniquely shaped the political and social aspects of ancient Southeast Asia.
Process of Indianisation
During Indianisation, Hinduism and Buddhism spread in Southeast Asia. Previously, Southeast Asians believed in animism (a belief that there are spirits everywhere, in trees, along roads or in waterfalls). People thought that the spirits must be ‘appeased’ with food and shrine to keep these areas safe, or less, they will be punished. Hinduism was thus able to spread quickly in Southeast Asia as the Brahmins claimed that Hinduism was the manifestation of the Hindu Gods and a bridge to higher spirits. Because of Southeast Asians’ existing belief in manifestation of the Gods in the spirits, they could accommodate this enchanting, fascinating and majestic ideas of Hinduism.