Variations of the Indian Ramayana epic in Continental Southeast Asia: A case study of Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand

Abstract

In the early years of the Common Era, through trade and missionary activities, Indian culture was introduced to Southeast Asian countries. Foreign literary works were accepted by the local population - among which the influence of the Ramayana epic cannot be overlooked. Some countries such as Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand produced their literary variations based on the original content and form of this epic genre, combining them with the foundation of their rice-farming agricultural civilisation and Buddhist elements. As a result, from a masterpiece originating from a mystical land, Southeast Asian literature has been enriched with many different versions. This article, using typological methods and the theory of cultural reception and creation, will focus on analysing the levels of variation (genre, plot, and characters) to see the selective and creative adoption and creativity of the indigenous people in the process of interaction with foreign countries.