- 1. The spread of Hinduism in Southeast Asia is a captivating narrative that began around the 1st century CE, marked by extensive trade routes connecting India to the various kingdoms and cultures of the region. Initially, Hindu merchants, along with Buddhist missionaries, journeyed across the seas, exchanging not only goods but also ideas, philosophies, and religious beliefs. The influence of Indian culture was profound, as evidenced by the establishment of Hindu kingdoms, such as Funan in present-day Cambodia, and later the Srivijaya Empire, which flourished between the 7th and 13th centuries. These kingdoms adopted Hindu gods and rituals, creating a unique syncretism that blended native traditions with imported beliefs. Temples, such as the magnificent Angkor Wat, were constructed to honor Hindu deities, illustrating the deep-rootedness of the religion in local cultures. Moreover, the promotion of Sanskrit as a scholarly language further facilitated the embedding of Hindu scriptures and epics into local governance and society. By the time Islam began to spread in the region, Hinduism had already established a significant cultural and religious footprint, influencing art, architecture, and social structures. Today, remnants of this rich heritage are evident in many Southeast Asian cultures, where Hindu festivals and traditions are still celebrated, demonstrating the enduring legacy of Hinduism far beyond its Indian origins.
Which of the following is a notable Hindu temple complex in Cambodia?
A) Petronas Towers
B) Shwedagon Pagoda
C) Angkor Wat
D) Borobudur
- 2. Which island in Indonesia is known for its Hindu population?
A) Bali
B) Java
C) Borneo
D) Sumatra
- 3. Who were the primary traders that introduced Hindu concepts to Southeast Asia?
A) Chinese merchants
B) European explorers
C) Arab traders
D) Indian traders
- 4. Which Indian epic tells the story of Rama, a key figure in Hinduism?
A) Ramayana
B) Mahabharata
C) Bhagavad Gita
D) Puranas
- 5. What is the language of many ancient Hindu texts?
A) Pali
B) Mandarin
C) Tamil
D) Sanskrit
- 6. Which Southeast Asian country has a significant Hindu minority today?
A) Vietnam
B) Philippines
C) Malaysia
D) Indonesia
- 7. What is the significance of the temple of Prambanan?
A) A major Hindu temple in Indonesia
B) A mosque in Malaysia
C) A fort in India
D) A Buddhist temple in Thailand
- 8. Hinduism in Southeast Asia blended with which local belief systems?
A) Taoism
B) Confucianism
C) Animism
D) Zoroastrianism
- 9. Which Southeast Asian country is home to the majority of the world's Hindus?
A) India
B) Thailand
C) Vietnam
D) Cambodia
- 10. Which festival is widely celebrated by Hindus around the world, including Southeast Asia?
A) Hanukkah
B) Eid
C) Christmas
D) Diwali
- 11. Which cultural tradition remains strong in modern Bali due to Hindu influence?
A) Sculpture
B) Dance and music
C) Martial arts
D) Painting
- 12. Which ancient empire is known for promoting Hinduism in Southeast Asia?
A) The Roman Empire
B) The Khmer Empire
C) The Ottoman Empire
D) The Mughal Empire
- 13. What was a key factor in the spread of Hinduism to Southeast Asia?
A) Trade routes
B) Military conquest
C) Colonization
D) Rebellion
- 14. What social structure did Hinduism influence in Southeast Asian societies?
A) Communism
B) Caste system
C) Feudal system
D) Democracy
- 15. The form of Hinduism in Bali is heavily intertwined with which other religion?
A) Christianity
B) Buddhism
C) Jainism
D) Islam
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