Hinduism and Buddhism spread to SEA

Hinduism
About the 1st century CE, Hinduism came to SEA. It is believed that Hindu priest from India were invited to the courts of ancients SEA rulers to teach India culture. Many historians have conclude that this was because India was considered to be one of the the most advanced civilisations of the ancient world, Ancient SEAsian king thus wanted to learn from the Indians.

Buddhism
Buddhism came to SEA c. 300ce. It was brought by Indian and Chinese traders as well as the Buddhist missionaries who travelled with them.

Impact of Religions

Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam had a great impact on the way the people of Southeast Asia lived. These religions had guided many rulers in the way they governed. Meanwhile, rulers of island Southeast Asia adopted Islam and calles themselves sultans. Their kingdoms were called sultanates.

However, as in ancient China, the people of SEA did not entirely foloow the teachings of their new religions and abandon their older beliefs. Instead, they combined their older beliefs with the teachings of their new religions.

Today, the religions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam continue to shape the lives of people in SEA. Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei are countries where the majority of the people are Muslims while the people in Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar are mostly Buddhists.