India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia
Q.1 (A) Choose the correct alternative and write the complete sentences.
(1) Buddhaghosh was an Indian _____ in Sri Lanka.
(a) Thinker (b) Philosopher
(c) King (d) Priest
Answer: (b) Philosopher
(2) The founder of Pagan empire was ______ .
(a) Kyanzittha (b) Anwrahta
(c) Ayuttha (d) Jayavarman
Answer: (b) Anwrahta
(3) The ancient name of Cambodia was _____ .
(a) Kambuja Desh (b) Laos
(c) Angkorwat (d) Sumatra
Answer: (a) Kambuja Desh
(B) Find the incorrect pair from set B and write the correct ones.
| Set ‘A’ | Set ‘B’ |
| (1) Finest example of stupa architecture in Myanmar | Shwedagon Pagoda |
| (2) Saivaite temples in the Champa kingdom | My Son |
| (3) The World famous temple in Cambodia | Angkor wat |
| (4) The Centre of Angkor Thom | Dieng Temples |
Answer: (4) The centre of Angkorthom – Bayon Temple
(C) Write the names.
(1) Chenla Kingdom:
Answer: The Chenla Kingdom was the first kingdom established in Cambodia by the Khmer people, marking the early influence of Indian culture in the region. Founded by Jayavarman II, who was coronated in 802 C.E., its capital was Hariharalaya. Over the next 500 years, Chenla expanded into the Khmer Empire, stretching from Vietnam to Myanmar and parts of China. The kingdom laid the foundation for Cambodia’s cultural and political development, with Sanskrit and Khmer inscriptions reflecting Indian influence in religion, administration, and architecture.
(2) Vishnu Temple at Angkorwat:
Answer: The Angkorwat Temple, built in the 11th century by King Suryavarman II in Yashodharpura, Cambodia, is a magnificent Vishnu temple covering about 500 acres. Surrounded by a 200-meter-deep moat, it features intricate sculptural panels, including the notable ‘Samudramanthan’ on the southeast walls. Initially a Hindu temple, it was later converted into a Buddhist temple after attacks by the Champa king. Angkorwat is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, celebrated for its Khmer architectural grandeur and mythological symbolism.
(3) Majapahit Kingdom:
Answer: The Majapahit Kingdom, established in the 13th century in Eastern Java by King Vijaya, was the last Southeast Asian kingdom with significant Indian cultural traits. It expanded into an empire, encompassing Java, Bali, and other islands, and successfully repelled Kublai Khan’s invasion. The kingdom’s cultural landscape was enriched by Indian epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, influencing literature and performing arts. Its decline in the 15th and 16th centuries coincided with the rise of Islamic states.
(4) Champa Kingdom:
Answer: Champa was an ancient kingdom along Vietnam’s coastal region, named after the Cham tribe. Flourishing from the 4th to 14th centuries C.E., it was a hub of trade and culture, with cities like Indrapur, Amaravati, and Vijay (the capital). Sanskrit inscriptions in Brahmi script reveal the construction of Shaiva temples, particularly in My Son Valley, where over 70 temples once stood. The My Son temple complex, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, reflects Indian architectural styles, with stone tablets and royal burials indicating its ceremonial significance.
Q.3 Answer the following questions in detail:
(1) Explain the spread of Indian culture in Thailand:
Answer: Indian culture profoundly influenced Thailand, particularly during the Dvaravati period (6th to 11th centuries) under the Mon people. This period saw the introduction of Indian traditions in sculpture, literature, ethics, and judicial science, shaping Mon culture. The Dvaravati kingdom, though smaller than others in Southeast Asia, played a significant role in advancing writing, arts, administration, religion, and science across the region. Archaeological remains near cities like Lop Buri and Ayuttha reveal Dvaravati-style temples and sculptures, predominantly Buddha images, with some Shivalingas and Vishnu statues, reflecting Indian sculptural influences. The 14th-century Ayuttha kingdom further embraced Indian culture, with kings adopting the prefix ‘Ram’ inspired by the Ramayana. The Thai Ramayana, known as ‘Ramakien,’ became a cornerstone of Thai art, influencing sculpture, folk music, dance, and theatre. These cultural exchanges highlight the deep and lasting impact of Indian traditions on Thailand’s religious, artistic, and literary heritage.
(2) Write about the cultural interrelationship between India and Myanmar.
Answer: The cultural interrelationship between India and Myanmar dates back to the 2nd century B.C.E., facilitated by trade and the spread of Buddhism. Myanmar, historically known as Brahmdesh, saw the rise of Pyu city-states like Shrikshetra, reportedly founded by individuals from the Shakya clan of Gautama Buddha. Indian cultural influence is evident in the adoption of Theravada Buddhism, revitalized under King Anawrahta of the Pagan Empire in the 11th century. The Shwedagon Pagoda, built between the 6th and 10th centuries in Yangon, is a testament to this influence, constructed to house eight hairs of the Buddha gifted by Indian merchants. The Anand Temple, built during Emperor Kyanzittha’s reign, blends Indian and Pagan architectural styles. Archaeological sites like Halin, Beikthano, and Shrikshetra, now UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites, reveal Indian-inspired stupas, water management systems, and fortifications. Indian epics, literature, and artistic traditions also shaped Myanmar’s cultural landscape, with Buddhism serving as a primary conduit for these exchanges, fostering a shared heritage of religious and artistic expression.
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