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THE THEORY OF THE KSHATRIYAS
The Kshatriya theory postulates that the process of Indianisation occurred through the influence of Indian warriors and conquerors during mass migration, war, conquest and colonisation.
The influence of Indian culture was widely spread across the region, as can be seen by the many Southeast Asian civilisations that have adopted Indian cultures, practices and beliefs. It was assumed that the spread of Indian culture to be as widely and uniformly accepted across Southeast Asia would have required a substantial and aggressive force. As such, the Kshatriyas, as the warrior class, were thought to be the only means by which this spread of Indian culture could have occurred.
The Kshatriya theory postulates that the process of Indianisation occurred through the influence of Indian warriors and conquerors during mass migration, war, conquest and colonisation.
The influence of Indian culture was widely spread across the region, as can be seen by the many Southeast Asian civilisations that have adopted Indian cultures, practices and beliefs. It was assumed that the spread of Indian culture to be as widely and uniformly accepted across Southeast Asia would have required a substantial and aggressive force. As such, the Kshatriyas, as the warrior class, were thought to be the only means by which this spread of Indian culture could have occurred.
REASONS DEBUNKING THIS THEORY
If the Kshatriyas had conquered Southeast Asia by force, Indian influence in Southeast Asia would be more prominent and thorough. However, there are still indigenous cultures present in Southeast Asia, and many other cultures exist. Even in Bali, where majority are Hindu, there are differences in rituals. This shows how Southeast Asian countries practised syncretism, adopting some to suit their needs rather than adopting all Indian cultures and practices, which would not have been possible if the region had been conquered by military conquest of the Kshatriyas.
If the Kshatriyas had conquered Southeast Asia by force, Indian influence in Southeast Asia would be more prominent and thorough. However, there are still indigenous cultures present in Southeast Asia, and many other cultures exist. Even in Bali, where majority are Hindu, there are differences in rituals. This shows how Southeast Asian countries practised syncretism, adopting some to suit their needs rather than adopting all Indian cultures and practices, which would not have been possible if the region had been conquered by military conquest of the Kshatriyas.