India Art In Thailand [ Indianisation ]

Introducing Indian culture into Southeast Asia during the first Century of the Common Era is referred to as '' Indianisation of South East Asia ''. In Thailand the writing system was based on Indian script. Pali was the language of Buddhism, Indian Dharmasastras was the basis of law and political administration and Indian literature was the basis for theatre, dance literature and art.

Brahmanism was the religion of the Court and the King was regarded as the earthly representation of the god Vishnu. Brahmanism, Hinayana Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism were the religions.

Indian art, architecture, government, literature, religion and philosophy had fundamental impact on South East Asia notwithstanding the Tai migrated from China. Art in Thailand from 1st - 6th C and up to 8th C in South Thailand was dominated by India. This included art made in India and imported, works copied in Thailand and other Thai made art which styled Indian concepts of form and subject matter [ the later continuing until the 16th C]. Details of Indian style work to be seen for South Thailand and I 'san are discussed in those links. 

The best examples of Indianised art in Thailand can be seen at National Museum Bangkok, National Museum Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Wat Phra Mahathat Museum, Chaiya.