Connected Histories of India and Southeast Asia

Connected Histories of India and Southeast Asia unravels the fascinating history of cultural interactions of outstanding and universal significance between India and Southeast Asia with special emphasis on artistic expressions. India′s connections with Southeast Asian countries namely Brunei Cambodia Indonesia Lao People’s Democratic Republic Malaysia Myanmar the Philippines Singapore Thailand and Vietnam are seen not only in trade and commerce but also in cultural and religious exchanges. Such histories are well-documented in their monuments icons narratives inscribed artefacts texts and ritual paraphernalia.  The first part of the book offers an overview of the nature of cultural and artistic interactions and the trade routes that facilitated an exchange of ideas objects people and knowledge systems since ancient times. The second part addresses issues relating to architectural forms motifs and mobility across long distances and time periods. The final segment includes essays that discuss narratives and iconographies arising from cross-cultural artistic exchanges. With contributions by eminent scholars and over 170 colour photographs maps and illustrations this book is an invaluable resource for understanding connected histories which play a key role in revitalizing cultural connectivity and people-to-people contacts between India and Southeast Asia.