Keywords
Champa
Hinduism
My Son Temple
Shiva
Southeast Asia
Vietnam
How to Cite
Abstract
The historical relationship between India and the Champa kingdom represents a sustained process of cultural, religious, and artistic interaction that developed over several centuries through maritime trade networks linking South and Southeast Asia. This paper examines the nature and impact of these interactions, focusing on the transmission and localization of Indian religious traditions, artistic forms, and linguistic practices in Champa. It analyses the introduction and adaptation of Hinduism and Buddhism, highlighting the prominence of deities such as Shiva and Vishnu and the coexistence of Mahayana and Theravada Buddhist traditions within a flexible religious framework. The study further explores architectural and artistic expressions of Indian influence, particularly through temple complexes such as the My Son temple complex, as well as sculptural representations inspired by Indian epics. Linguistic evidence, including Sanskrit inscriptions and the development of the Cham script from Brahmi, is also examined to illustrate cultural continuity and adaptation. By situating Champa as a key nexus in Indo–Southeast Asian exchanges, this paper underscores the enduring significance of India–Champa interactions and highlights their relevance for contemporary scholarship and cultural relations between India and Vietnam.
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