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| Wednesday, 30 June 2004 |
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Indian Hindu influence on Thai culture by Subashini Pathmanathan
Thailand was influenced by Indian cultural, linguistic and religious factors. Earlier Thailand was known as Siam. According to the historical evidence the capital city was destroyed during the conflict with Burma. The earlier capital of Thailand was known as Ayuthya. This reveals that the famous Indian epic Ramayana had an impact even on the name of the ancient Thai capital. Ramayana in Thailand was known as Ramakeen. Lord Rama's name was considered as a sacred name and used by the rulers of Chakari dynasty who used it with their names. This shows how the Indian epic influenced mind and morals of the Thai society. The scenes of Ramayana are well portrayed with attractive colours in the paintings on the temple walls. Outside the temples the sculptures of Ramayana are beautifully depicted. Guarding the temples is normal in all Hindu beliefs. Similarly in Thailand there are guardian figures with the real Thai architecture outside the temples within the temple premises. These temple guards with stern looks resembling Asuras or Rakshathas. Similarly the influence of Ramayana could be seen on the walls of the palaces where the scenes of the Ramayana are embossed. Beside this the religious influences of India, Hindu and Buddhist religious worship also could be seen throughout Thailand. The Hindu god Brahma is worshipped among the Hindus of Thailand. According to Hindu mythology, the lord Brahma the creator of universe is believed to have enacted the fifth Veda in Hinduism - Natya Veda. The idol of lord Bhrama could be seen everywhere including in the premises of private homes and private institutions. A small shrine (a symbol of worshipping place) is installed in most homes. Everyday this idol is worshipped with flowers, fruits and lightened lamp. A Brahmin priest selects the location where the small shrine should be installed and in which direction the idol should face. Such type of home worship is quite common and familiar among the South Asia and South East Asian customs and culture. In Thailand they select and sing the Thirupavai and Tiruvempavai songs in the temples and in the auspicious functions and during the festivals from ancient times. Beside this, Thailand is a land which follows Buddhism and Hinduism. Ancient Pali and Sanskrit and Tamil language had a great impact on the Thai language. Similarly Indian Hindu influence can be traced in the ritual dances, folk dances and traditional dances. Lakhon is a dance form which is practised in open Buddhist temple compounds. Most of their dances, dramas, and dance dramas are based on Ramayana. Sometimes they use these dances and dance dramas to drive out evil spirits. Another remarkable feature in Thai dance is that all the roles are played by women, except that of the clown. To play the characteristic role of devas, asuras, (demons) and monkeys they wear the masks. Beautiful flexible body movements, floating positions and sinuous body positions could be seen in most of the Thai dances. Beautiful hand movements are used to expound the meaning of the song. There is a particular variety of mask drama called Khon. The theme of this drama is always based on Ramayana. In such drama only males take part. Similarly other dance dramas are Lakhon Nore and Lakhon Chattri. In these dance dramas only men take part, which clearly shows the close links between the South Indian dance drama forms. Main themes of these dance dramas are based on Ramayana or Mahabharatha. **** Back **** |
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