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Arts & Communication Cultural exchange and decorative motifs in 12 -century
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During the 12 century, the artistic and iconographic for the exchange of ambassadors to strengthen diplomatic
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motifs propagated by the Pala Empire exhibited profound relations. The Pala Empire’s maritime trade route to
resonance with those in Khmer art, particularly evident in the China, with key centers in Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa,
stylistic and symbolic parallels between the visual narratives connected the Asia Pacific region (Figure 15). Pala
of Angkor Wat and the Buddhist traditions of Sarnath. This Buddhist monks traveled extensively to Southeast Asia,
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convergence underscores the intricate interplay of cultural sharing sacred texts, artistic styles, and teachings in regions
flows that shaped the artistic and religious landscapes of such as Java, Sumatra, and Cambodia. Nalanda University,
the period. Meanwhile, the Srivijaya Empire, strategically supported by Pala patronage, attracted students and
situated at the confluence of the Indian Ocean and the scholars from East and Southeast Asia, fostering academic
South China Sea, leveraged its control over the Straits of and cultural exchange. Monk Dharmapala played an
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Malacca to emerge as a linchpin of maritime trade during active role in spreading Buddhist teachings and advancing
this period. As a crucial intermediary on the oceanic diplomatic relations. By the ninth century, King
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Silk Road, Srivijaya facilitated robust trade networks with Balaputra of Srivijaya’s endowments to Nalanda attested
India. Its ports, frequented by Indian merchants, became to these close diplomatic ties, paving the way for further
bustling hubs for the exchange of diverse commodities, exchanges. For instance, the renowned Buddhist scholar
including textiles, spices, precious stones, and metals. This Atisha is said to have studied in Srivijaya under the great
commercial vitality not only enhanced Srivijaya’s economic teacher Dharmakirti during the 11 century. Atisha later
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significance but also reinforced its cultural and diplomatic played a major role in spreading Buddhism in Tibet. This
connections with the broader Asian world. religious and cultural exchange elevated Srivijaya’s status as
Sri Lanka, strategically located off the southern coast a religious and intellectual center, attracting scholars and
of India, served as an important stopover in East-West pilgrims from across the Indian Ocean world.
maritime commerce. This advantageous geographical The maritime religious pilgrimages facilitated
position established it as a vital node on the maritime Silk through sea trade routes significantly reinforced cultural
Road, facilitating the exchange of diverse goods. Economic and religious affiliations, with the influence of Pala art
exchanges between Srivijaya and Sri Lanka included discernible in the artistic expressions of Southeast and East
luxury goods, spices, textiles, and precious stones. While Asian kingdoms (Figure 16). Decorative motifs, which
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Srivijaya was an important supplier of regional products often transcended geographic and political boundaries,
such as camphor, resins, and tropical woods, Sri Lanka was exemplify the tangible cultural diffusion enabled by the
renowned for its high-quality gems, pearls, and cinnamon. extensive use of maritime routes. For instance, the double-
These commodities, in high demand on the international line motifs employed in Khmer architecture at Angkor Wat
market, became lucrative trade items for both merchants parallel the traditions of Pala art, illustrating a profound
and rulers over several centuries. In addition, Sri Lanka cultural interconnection. These artistic similarities
was a key supplier of elephants to Southeast Asian polities, reflect the harmonious integration of Buddhist traditions
including Srivijaya, where they were highly valued for influenced by Pala esthetics, as seen in the shared
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warfare and ceremonial purposes. The Khmer Empire, on iconography of deities and other religious elements. To
its part, was a major supplier of staple commodities such as fully grasp these dynamics, one must examine the motifs
rice, fish, and other crops, which supported regional trade and stylistic rhythms evident in Angkor Wat and Sarnath.
networks. These economic exchanges not only fostered Such artistic exchanges underscore broader processes of
prosperity between the two empires but also strengthened cultural integration facilitated by diplomatic and trade
their political and diplomatic ties. relations during this era.
Economic interactions between Srivijaya and India Beyond economic imperatives, the trade networks
extended beyond mere transactions, facilitating the between Srivijaya and India fostered substantial religious
exchange of goods and cultural ideas. Indian traders brought and cultural interactions. As a pivotal center of Mahayana
with them commodities alongside cultural practices, Buddhism, the Srivijaya Empire benefited from royal
religious beliefs, and technological advancements. This patronage, which enabled the propagation of Buddhist
exchange allowed for synthesis between the local and teachings throughout Southeast Asia. Indian monks and
Indian cultures, as shown by Indianized political models, scholars frequently traversed Srivijaya en route to other
religious iconography, and linguistic elements incorporated prominent Buddhist pilgrimage centers, further enriching
within Srivijaya. the intellectual and cultural dialogue between the two
The Pala Empire maintained amicable relations with regions. Srivijaya’s strategic importance in the Buddhist
Southeast Asian kingdoms, including Srivijaya, allowing world was amplified by the maritime circulation of monks,

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 10 doi: 10.36922/ac.4205