LITERATURE and ART
Maharbharata and Ramayana are Indian epics which were significant in Southeast Asia as they were used for “propaganda” purposes. The epics romanticised the portrayal of heroism and the godliness of devarajas, also conveying the idea of how divine beings were manifested on earth. Back then, these stories were told and used as tools to make sure that the people’s beliefs and loyalty to the devarajas do not sway. Thus, these epics were one of the ways which ensured that the people stay in the stronghold of the belief in the devaraja as a God on earth.
Maharbharata
Mahabharata is an Indian epic which discusses themes on justice and law. The epic narrates the Kurukshetra War: those who follow the dictates of the dharma (one's duties) are rewarded while those who don't are not. This is in accordance to Hindu law in which each individual has a specific place and role in society and must adhere to one’s role.
Mahabharata is now one of the most popular subjects of Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppetry) performances in the region. The performances on Mahabharata are held around the Indomalayan Archipelago. This shows that the influence of the Indian epic Mahabharata is still present in the theatre and arts scene of Southeast Asia. Another example of the Mahabharata's influence on Southeast Asia is the Kathakali, a classical dance-drama from South India. It is performed in Singapore as well. Moreover, at the Suvarnabhumi airport (Bangkok) is a sculpture which shows a famous scene from the Mahabharata. The fact that Mahabharata scene is depicted at Bangkok (capital of Thailand) airport suggests the importance and significance of this epic in the lives and cultures of the Thais. Mahabharata was a reflection of the ancient Southeast Asian societies’ values, beliefs and the form of entertainment values. By continuing to tell the story of Mahabharata through various art forms, the epic has shaped Southeast Asia’s modern cultural identity as well.
Maharbharata and Ramayana are Indian epics which were significant in Southeast Asia as they were used for “propaganda” purposes. The epics romanticised the portrayal of heroism and the godliness of devarajas, also conveying the idea of how divine beings were manifested on earth. Back then, these stories were told and used as tools to make sure that the people’s beliefs and loyalty to the devarajas do not sway. Thus, these epics were one of the ways which ensured that the people stay in the stronghold of the belief in the devaraja as a God on earth.
Maharbharata
Mahabharata is an Indian epic which discusses themes on justice and law. The epic narrates the Kurukshetra War: those who follow the dictates of the dharma (one's duties) are rewarded while those who don't are not. This is in accordance to Hindu law in which each individual has a specific place and role in society and must adhere to one’s role.
Mahabharata is now one of the most popular subjects of Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppetry) performances in the region. The performances on Mahabharata are held around the Indomalayan Archipelago. This shows that the influence of the Indian epic Mahabharata is still present in the theatre and arts scene of Southeast Asia. Another example of the Mahabharata's influence on Southeast Asia is the Kathakali, a classical dance-drama from South India. It is performed in Singapore as well. Moreover, at the Suvarnabhumi airport (Bangkok) is a sculpture which shows a famous scene from the Mahabharata. The fact that Mahabharata scene is depicted at Bangkok (capital of Thailand) airport suggests the importance and significance of this epic in the lives and cultures of the Thais. Mahabharata was a reflection of the ancient Southeast Asian societies’ values, beliefs and the form of entertainment values. By continuing to tell the story of Mahabharata through various art forms, the epic has shaped Southeast Asia’s modern cultural identity as well.
Ramayana
Ramayana is an Indian epic on adventure, quest and love. Many national epics of Southeast Asia were derived from the Ramayana. The ancient kings of Southeast Asia altered some parts of the epic here and there to suit the local context. Some kings even changed the names of the heroes to theirs, thus conveying to his people how powerful he is and making the godly king appear more approachable. Examples of national epics include the Ramakien from Thailand, Phra Lak Phra Lam from Laos, and Reamker from Cambodia, which added elements and themes of Buddhism into the epic. This shows Ramayana's strong influence over Southeast Asian literature and also reveals how every Southeast Asian country was unique, as so many versions of the national epics were based on this one story. Also, in many versions of the Ramayana, the characters’ costumes and tools, architectures, scenery, and even the cultural emotions of the characters were altered to meet up to the expectations of Southeast Asian audiences. This reflects how Southeast Asians modified, adapted and integrated the foreign culture into their own by adding unique local elements.
Up till today, Ramayana has a big influence all over Southeast Asia. Thai kings are called Rama (Kings of Thailand) and thus incarnations of the god Vishnu; their old kingdom was called Ayutthya from the Rama's city (Ayodhya). Also, the official symbol of Indonesia is Garuda Pancasila (the carrier of Rama). Furthermore, many traditional dances in the region are also based on this epic. For example, the Kecak dance from Bali and Khon (genre of dance-drama) from Thailand. In addition, Ramayana has played a part in shaping the traditional practices of Southeast Asian societies. Many Southeast Asian countries like Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore celebrate festivals based on Ramayana, such as Deepavali (festival of lights). All these show how modern day culture and festivals of Southeast Asia have been influenced and shaped by these epics from India since the ancient times.
As seen, Indianisation as a whole impacted early and modern Southeast Asia in many aspects of Southeast Asians’ lives, but Southeast Asia was and is not a “Greater India”, for Southeast Asian empires only adapted the culture from India, infusing them with local ideas and existing traditions and making their own distinct culture. This highly adaptive skill and the fusion practised in Southeast Asia make it unique as a region.
While Indianisation of Southeast Asia as a whole is interesting to examine, it is even more fascinating to understand how Indian ideas were adjusted and altered to suit the local context in each empire. Just like how there are many versions of those two epics in different parts of Southeast Asia, Southeast Asian empires developed many variations from the same concept of Indianisation in many other ways as well. So now, let us take a look at our main gallery:
As seen, Indianisation as a whole impacted early and modern Southeast Asia in many aspects of Southeast Asians’ lives, but Southeast Asia was and is not a “Greater India”, for Southeast Asian empires only adapted the culture from India, infusing them with local ideas and existing traditions and making their own distinct culture. This highly adaptive skill and the fusion practised in Southeast Asia make it unique as a region.
While Indianisation of Southeast Asia as a whole is interesting to examine, it is even more fascinating to understand how Indian ideas were adjusted and altered to suit the local context in each empire. Just like how there are many versions of those two epics in different parts of Southeast Asia, Southeast Asian empires developed many variations from the same concept of Indianisation in many other ways as well. So now, let us take a look at our main gallery: