Indian cultural influences in Thai culture

By Subhashini PATHMANATHAN

Thailand underwent the Indian influences mainly in cultural, linguistic, and religious basis. Earlier the land of 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 Ayodya.This reveals that the famous Indian epic Ramayana had an impact even in 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 was used by the rulers of Chkari dynasty, who used the name of Rama with their names.

This shows how the Indian epic is influenced in the Thai society. The scenes of Ramayana are well portrayed in the paintings of the temple walls, with attractive colours.

Outside the temples, the sculptures of Ramayana are beautifully depicted. The myths of guarding the temples are natural in all Hindu believe. Similarly here in Thailand also there are guarding figures, with the real Thai architecture outside the temples and within the temple premises. These temple guards with tuff looks like Asuras, or Rakshathas are seen.

The same influence of Ramayana could be seen in the walls of the palaces.

Besides this the religious influences of India also could be seen throughout Thailand . Hindu and Buddhists religious worship also could be seen all over Thailand .

The Hindu god Brahma, worship was the important worship among the Hindus.

According to Hindu mythology, the lord Brahma the creator of the universe, who is believed to be the creator of the fifth Veda, Natya Sahstra.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 everywhere and everyday this idol is worshiped with flowers, fruits and lightened lamps.

A Brahmin priest selects the location where the small shrine should be installed and in what direction of the idol should face. Such type of worship is quite common among the South Asia , and in the South East Asian custom and culture.

Besides this, Thailand is a land which totally follows Buddhism. Ancient Pali and Sanskrit languages have a great impact in the Thai language.

Similarly Indian Hindu influences can be traced, in the ritual dances, folk dances and traditional dances in Thailand . Lakhon is a dance form which is practised within the Buddhist temple compounds.

Most of their dances, dramas, and dance dramas are based on Ramayana.

Sometimes they use this dances and dance dramas to drive away evil impact on the people. Another remarkable dance in Thai dance is the role of the clown; all the other roles are played by the women.

To play the characteristic role of devas, asuras, (demons) and monkeys they wear the masks. Beautiful flexible body movements, floating positions, 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 which is called Khon. The theme of this drama is always based on Ramayana. Similarly other dance dramas are Lakhon Nore, and Lakhon Chattri. Even in these dance dramas, only men take the part. This clearly show the close links with the south Indian dance dramas. The main themes of these dance dramas are based on Ramayana or Mahabharata.