Impacts of Religion and How did Hindumsim and Buddhism spread to SouthEast Asia?

Question: Impact of Religion and how did Hinduism and Buddhism spread to SEA?

Impact of religion

Rulers often used the teachings of a religion to guide the way they governed. This also altered their mindset on ruling. For example, when Ashoka converted to Buddhism, he stopped waging wars on other kingdoms and encouraged his people to lead good lives. Religion also influenced the way the people of ancient India, China and SEA lived. An example was when the kings of SEA converted to Islam, they stopped seeing themselves as gods.

How did Hinduism spread to SEA?

Hinduism came to SEA in the 1st century CE. It is believed that Hindu priests from India were invited to the courts of ancient SEA rulers to teach Indian culture. The rulers then adopted Hinduism, learneed Sanskrit and built magnificent Hindu temple cities.

How did Buddhism spread to SEA?

Buddhism was brought to SEA c. 300 CE. It was brought by  Indian and Chinese traders along with Buddhist missionaries who travelled with them. The ancient SEA rulers then adopted Buddhism and built impressive ancient monuments such as the famous Borobudur complex in Indonesia and the Ananda temple in Myanmar.