Politico-cultural-religious milieu of Southeast Asia: an examination of pre-Islamic structures of authority and syncretic practices

Abdul Jalil, Mohd. Noh and Mohd Amin, Wan Mohd Azam and Alias, Majdan (2019) Politico-cultural-religious milieu of Southeast Asia: an examination of pre-Islamic structures of authority and syncretic practices. KEMANUSIAAN: The Asian Journal of Humanities, 26 (Supp. 1). pp. 109-129. ISSN 1394-9330 E-ISSN 2180-4257

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Abstract

This paper analyses the structure of authorities and syncretic practices among the people in Southeast Asia before the spread of Islam in the region. The influence of South Asian tradition and culture in Southeast Asia was evident especially in the social and political spheres. Practices of Southeast Asian empires originated from the South Asian continent. In order to understand those influences this study analyses available materials related to the development of socio-political and cultural-religious environment in Southeast Asia prior to the advancement of Islam in the region. This study concludes that early kingdoms in Southeast Asia adopted the doctrines of devaraja and bodhisattva as the model of governance. This doctrine provides the Rulers with everlasting loyalty from their subjects. At the same time, religious life among the people in Southeast Asia highlights a unique practice. The syncretic practices of the people in Southeast Asia at that time prove that they did not follow blindly religious practices presented to them from the South Asian traditions. They adopt and adapt those practices to suit their own needs at that time.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	4150/74059
Uncontrolled Keywords:	South East Asia, devaraja, bodhisattva, syncretism, HinduBuddhist
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion J Political Science > JQ Political institutions Asia P Language and Literature > P Philology. Linguistics
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Usul al-Din and Comparative Religion
Depositing User:	Assoc Prof Dr. Mohd Noh Abdul Jalil
Date Deposited:	26 Aug 2019 15:42
Last Modified:	23 Mar 2020 23:42
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/74059

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