Question

The spreading of elements of one culture to other cultures. Provide 3 examples of cultural diffusion in east Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia-- one for each region. What conditions enabled each instance of diffusion, and how did the diffusion impact civilization

Answer 1

1.) East AsiaThe Silk Road due to China’s most important export allowed for the exchange of goods between Asia and the Middle East. The exchange of silks and spices and the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Roads are examples of cultural diffusion. The technology of paper-making traveled from China to Baghdad along the Silk Roads. Over time the trade route reached 4,000 miles.  Most merchants never traveled the entire route, but instead traded their goods at one of the many markets established along the way.
2.) South AsiaThe Ramayana and the Mahabharata have had a large impact on the South and Southeast Asian continent. However, the Mahabharata has faded from the memory of many Southeast Asian nations and are not as widely known as the Ramayana. Also, one of the most tangible evidence of dharmic tradition commonality, probably is the widespread of Añjali Mudrā as the gesture of greeting and respect. It is demonstrated in Indian namasté, and similar gestures are known in Southeast Asia, as it cognate to the Cambodian sampeah, Indonesian sembah and Thai wai.
3.) Southeast AsiaThe Siam attempted to spread their culture, and especially religion to their neighboring countries. The Siam were successful, and influenced most of south-east Asia and spread their religion of Theravada Buddhism.