Art Beyond Borders: India's spiritual and cultural legacy across Southeast Asia

The Garudasana Visnu is more than an icon; it is cosmic motion carved in form, where wings carry the Vedas and the deity anchors dharma. A sacred vision shared across South and Southeast Asia, it embodies timeless flight, protection, and divine transcendence.

- AMIT KALLA

In recent days, as part of the Indo-Asian Art Confluence held in Jakarta, it was once again featured how deeply Indian culture continues to influence the social, religious, and artistic life of Southeast Asia. This was not merely an art camp or cultural exchange; it was an opportunity to reawaken the cultural links that have existed between India and Indonesia for thousands of years. Artists, researchers, and art devotees from several Asian countries came together, making this journey an extraordinary experience. The journey focused primarily on the islands of Java and Bali. As the aircraft soared over the sea and crossed these lush green islands, it became clear that this was the very land where Indian civilization had sown its cultural seeds.

Throughout Indonesia, the imprint of Indian culture is richly evident. The temple architecture, worship practices, linguistic roots, and folk traditions all carry the resonance of Indian heritage.

Prambanan temple complex in Java, constructed in the 9th century, this grand temple is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma and is considered the largest Hindu temple complex in Southeast Asia. As we entered the expansive temple grounds, the towering spires seemed to be in conversation with the sky. The stone walls are decorated with intricately carved depictions of the Ramayana. Scenes like the seizure of Sita, Jatayu's sacrifice, Hanuman's burning of Lanka, and the battle between Rama and Ravana mirror the grandeur of Indian temple architecture.

The precision and expression of these sculptures affirm how Indian sculptural traditions, even across the sea, preserved their essence. Standing in the sanctum before the deities Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, the silence of the temple carried an echo of Vedic chants. It was not just an act of devotion but a palpable sense of cultural continuity.