a more modern theory : diffusion
There is a last theory, a more modern and widely-accepted theory that possibly explains the spread of Indian culture into Southeast Asia. This theory is known as the “diffusion”of Indian culture into Southeast Asia. This theory is a combination of the theory of brahmins and vaisyas.
Indianisation in Southeast Asia was done peacefully and gradually. Brahmins had the knowledge of the cosmic universe and the gods to gain the people’s respect and legitimise the rule of the local rulers. It was in day-to-day exchange and influence that the merchant and trader Vaisyas were able to spread Indian culture. SEAsians were highly selective, and practised “cultural borrowing”, by adapting only certain aspects of Indian culture and society that were of use to them
For example, Brahmins’ knowledge of the gods and spirits were useful to legitimise the local rulers’ reign and enhance the beliefs of the people. However, the rigid caste system, which would limit the flexible and adaptable locals, was not implemented.
The means of spreading Indian culture into Southeast Asia was thus by means of “cultural borrowing”, diffusion, or “syncretism”. Southeast Asian culture presently contains Indian influences but are not reflections of them, as they have still retained elements of indigenous influence, and instead incorporated Indian culture into their own.
One good example of this is that Thailand has a Theravada Buddhist majority. Indianisation gave Thailand a unique Hindu-Buddhist fusion culture, as both Hinduism and Buddhism was spread simultaneously during the period of Indianisation. Thai temples are occasionally decorated with art icons of Hindu gods such as Vishnu, and most of the folklore and legends in the Philippines have Hindu origins.
Let's head over to the final exhibit, on the influence that Indianisation had on Southeast Asia.