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The South East Asian Review

Founded by Dr. Sachchidanand Sahai and late Dr. Sudha Verma

Current Volume: 49 (2024 )

ISSN: 0257-7364

Periodicity: Yearly

Month(s) of Publication: December

Subject: Anthropology Social Science Archaeology

DOI: 10.32381/SEAR

Online Access is Free for Life Member

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The South East Asian Review (SEAR) is an interdisciplinary research journal which welcomes papers on any aspect of South East Asian culture, art, archaeology, history, society, religion, language, politics, economy, traditional knowledge, natural and cultural heritage. Since 1976, the goal of the journal has been to disseminate knowledge of the common cultural heritage of India and South East Asia. The journal provides a forum for a broad and diverse group of scholars interested in the study of South East Asia and with a specific thrust on the scholarly works in humanities and social sciences.

South East Asian Review journal also publishes Book Reviews relevant to the theme and scope of the journal. The authors and publishers may send their books on South East Asia after contacting the Academic Editor or Managing Editor via email in this regard.  The authors or publishers may also suggest potential reviewers to review the title.

ProQuest
EBSCO

 

Editor -in -chief
Dr. Sachchidanand Sahai

Bualuang ASEAN Chair Professor

Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand

Advisor to Apsara Authority, Siem Riep, Cambodia

Former Chair, Department Ancient Indian and Asian Studies

Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, India

Former National Professor of Epigraphy,

Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India


Editorial Board
Dr. Willard Van De Bogart

International Program Coordinator
Sanskrit Studies Center
Silpakorn University
Bangkok, Thailand


Dr. Manjil Hazarika

Academic Editor and Assistant Professor
Department of Archaeology
Cotton University, Assam, India


Dr. Ganga Nath Jha

Former Professor and Chairperson
Center for Southeast Asian Studies
Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi, India


Dr. Bachchan Kumar

Former Regional Director 
IGNCA, New Delhi, India


Dr. B.K. Mishra

Assistant Professor
Ancient Indian and Asian Studies
PLS College, Patna, India


Dr. Dean Myers

Retired Lecturer
Southeast Asian History
Jesuit Sophia University, Tokyo
 


Dr. Chirapat Prapandvidya

Founder, Sanskrit Studies Center
Silpakorn University
Bangkok, Thailand


Dr. Soma Sahai-Srivastava

Managing Editor
Clinical Professor of Neurology
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA, USA
 


Dr. Manish Sinha

Professor, Department of History
Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, India


Volume 49 Issue 1 , (Jan-2024 to Dec-2024)

Editorial
Dr. Manjil Hazarika
Guest Editor

Academic Editor and Assistant Professor
Department of Archaeology
Cotton University,
Assam - India

By: Dr. Manjil Hazarika

Page No : i-iii

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A Chance Discovery of Cowries in Majuli, Assam

By: S.K. Bose , Guna Gobinda Phukan

Page No : 1-8

Abstract
A hoard of any kind always reveals new economic or socio-political information about a particular place or its surrounding regions. The cowrie hoard discovered at Sri Sri Bhogpur Satra in November 2023 also opened and added an interesting chapter in Assam’s history. This is the first time the cowries found therein were properly identified and linked to import items from the Maldives. While dating the hoard, the authors claimed that it was from the late medieval period and a link with Burmese invasions cannot be overruled.

Authors:
S.K. Bose:
BF-70, Sector 1, Salt Lake City, Kolkata, West Bengal.
Guna Gobinda Phukan: Solal, P. O. Panigaon, Lakhimpur, Assam
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2024.49.1

Price: 101

Trans-Himalayan Ladakh region: Gateway of South and Central Asia for Dispersal of Culture and Trade

By: Sonam Spalzin

Page No : 9-17

Abstract
Ladakh, a high altitude region, offers a unique blend of geography, culture and spirituality characterised by its location at the crossroads of several major regions nestled between the towering Himalayas and the Karakoram Range forms the top most part of the Indian subcontinent, bordering with Pakistan and China, and on the western edge of the Tibetan plateau. For some, it is part of the southern border of Central Asia, traditionally divided into Western Central Asia (including today’s Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) and Eastern Central Asia (today’s Chinese province of Xinjiang). For others, it is the northern frontier of South Asia and the Indian subcontinent, home to Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. Historically significant as a key route for the spread of Buddhism, it served as a passageway for traders, monks and travellers passing between India and Central Asia. They used the caravan routes not only for trade but also for the dissemination of Buddhist teachings, making it an important hub for cultural exchange. The movement of goods along these trade routes facilitated interaction across spiritual boundaries and enabled traders, travellers and scholars to exchange stories, texts and philosophies.

Author:
Sonam Spalzin: Assistant Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Mini Circle Leh, UT Ladakh
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2024.49.2

Price: 101

Cultural Diversity in Dima Hasao District, Assam: Unravelling the Heritage of Ethnic Communities

By: Nisha Rani Das

Page No : 19-31

Abstract
Ethnic communities represent a valuable aspect of intangible heritage, diligently preserving and safeguarding their age-old tradition. Despite the pervasive influence of globalisation, certain communities have successfully retained essential elements of their enduring structures and beliefs. Dima Hasao, earlier known as North Cachar Hill district, situated in southern Assam between the hills of Meghalaya and Nagaland, stands as the cradle of Northeast India’s ancient civilisation. Within this region, diverse ethnic groups thrive, each characterised by distinct languages, cultures, etiquettes, and customs, maintaining their unique identities with minimal external influence. Predominantly comprising the Indo-Mongoloid lineage, these communities primarily inhabit hilly and forested terrains,adhering to traditional ways of life. This research endeavours to delve into the traditional lifestyles of the Dimasa and Zemi Naga tribes inhabiting the North Cachar hills, with a particular emphasis on their practices related to hunting and pastoralism, which exhibit vestiges of early sedentary living. The set of evidence has been collected from field visit and interviews with the village headmen. Documentation of material culture has been accomplished through photography. This documentation is of utmost significance, given the impending risk of these ethnic communities’ vanishing existence. Such documentatio will be helpful, particularly for anthropological and archaeological research in future.

Author:
Nisha Rani Das
: Assistant Professor, Department of History, Majuli University of Culture, Assam
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2024.49.3

Price: 101

The “fecund” assemblyman: Don Juan Alvear as Legislator

By: Erwin S. Fernandez

Page No : 33-51

Abstract
Don Juan Alvear, former director of the Burgos Institute during the Philippine-American war, and founder of Unión Espiritista Cristiana de Filipinas, was born in 1864 in San Fabian,Pangasinan and studied for his Bachelor of Arts degree at the Colegio de San Juan de Letrán and Universidad de Santo Tomás becoming a professor of secondary education upon his graduation. After his brief stint as director of the institute, he became municipal president of San Fabian under American rule and later founded the spiritist association in the country. In 1907 he was elected assemblyman in the Philippine assembly. This article examines Alvear’s legislative career in that august chamber.

Author:
Erwin S. Fernandez: 
Universidad de Salamanca
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2024.49.4

Price: 101

Religious Iconography of Goalpara in Assam

By: Sofiul Islam Khan

Page No : 53-70

Abstract
The iconographic representations of the ancient art and sculptures in Goalpara in Assam exhibit a great variety. They also represent different religions and cultural traits. The newly discovered sites have several structural remains, sculptures of different types, decorative bricks and terracotta, caves and stūpa. The new sites mainly contain relics of Brahmannical Hinduism and a few that of Buddhism. The votive stūpas present in Surya Pahar, Pancharatna and stūpa remains found in Barbhita suggest the practice of Buddhism in Assam. Stylistically these stūpas which are carved in monolithic rocks dates back to the first century BCE and continued thereafter. It is noteworthy that remains of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism contemporaneously, have been so far reported only in Goalpara district of Assam. Rock-cut remains of Goalpara region have a unique position in the history of art and architecture of the region. These rock-cut structures provide a little information about the development of artistic activity region and offer glimpses, though not a complete picture of the socio-religious history of the region. Further there is a gap between the archaeological remains of Goalpara and the existing literary traditions. Sculptural and iconographic representation in the region is very unique as it has witnessed earliest sculptural activity in the region along with Da Parvatia in Tezpur. So, one can find both the classical representation and the development of local school in sculptural art of Goalpara. Viṣnu image from Dudhnoi, can be placed to Gupta period but afterward the classical dynamism lost and replaced by Kāmārūpa School of Art or EISMA.

Author:
Sofiul Islam Khan:
 Assistant Professor and HoD, Department of History, Paschim Guwahati Mahavidyalaya, Guwahati
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2024.49.5

Price: 101

Heritage for Tomorrow: Sustainable Conservation through Community Engagement in Vietnam and Indonesia

By: Elora Tribedy

Page No : 71-90

Abstract
This paper explores sustainable heritage conservation through community engagement in Vietnam and Indonesia, emphasising heritage as a vital resource for humanity and a driver of sustainable development. It examines key challenges, including globalisation, inadequate stakeholder collaboration, and the need to balance physical and intangible heritage preservation. Case studies, such as Borobudur temple in Indonesia and Cham sacred sites in Vietnam, highlight the role of community-based tourism and participatory frameworks like the Ha Long Eco-Museum in harmonising cultural preservation with socio-economic development.
    The findings underscore the importance of empowering local communities as custodians, fostering ownership, and integrating traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices. By aligning conservation with intergenerational equity and sustainable tourism, heritage sites can serve as living resources that bridge history and contemporary relevance. The study concludes that inclusive, community-driven approaches are essential for preserving cultural heritage, promoting economic resilience, and achieving global harmony.

Author:
Elora Tribedy:
 Assistant Professor, School of Historical Studies, Nalanda University, India
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2024.49.6

Price: 101

A Comparative Study of Ceramics from the Savalda Horizons of Kaothe and Daimabad

By: Jyotshna Rani Khundrakpam

Page No : 91-109

Abstract
The paper is based on a comparative study carried out for the sites of Kaothe and Daimabad. The study focused on drawing cultural similarities and differences as both the sites exhibit divergent evidence in terms of dwelling structures and their relationship with late Harappan. Ceramics, being the most distinguishing factor of this culture, has been considered as the main unit of analysis for the present research accompanied by other aspects of the economy, society, and land use patterns. The comparative study was done using results obtained from laboratory analysis and published readings. The study has brought about an understanding of the characteristics of Savalda ware and the regional variations that prevailed among the two sites. It was noticed that certain differences in ceramic wares were associated with technological choices, social organisation, local environment, and cultural interactions.

Author:
Jyotshna Rani Khundrakpam: 
Department of Archaeology and Ancient Indian Culture, Tripura University, Agartala
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2024.49.7

Price: 101

Myriad Forms of Bhudevi from Khajuraho: A Retrospective Glance

By: J. Manuel , T.R. Sharma , K.K. Verma

Page No : 111-135

Abstract
During ancient times, Mother Goddesses were conceived as provider and protector of humankind so was the Mother Goddess Earth in her multifarious roles. The bounties of earth manifested as flora and fauna, providing the earthlings with food, medicines and wealth was topped by her being conceived as Goddess of maternal sustenance and fertility and protector against various malicious forces. The many naked images of the Goddess lustrated by elephants as well as those portrayed with array of weapons around the headgear, lions flanking her represent her power due to which Mara had to flee as at Sanchi, wherein she is often shown naked in the middle like in many other sites as well as in ring-stones. As varied as her roles are, almost as many are the depiction of associated paraphernalia she is often shown with: lotus (es), vase, kurma, vase holding attendants on makara, nagas bearing treasure vases, multi-hooded naga over her head, array of weapons, lions flanking her, abhayamudra showing her power to protect, varadamudra her power to bestow wealth, elephants below her kurmasana, lustrating elephants. The present endeavour traces the continuity of elements from early Buddhists sites of the elephants representing the clouds drenching the earth, holding lotuses, flanked by lions, kurma at the bottom, and show the similarity of the images of the Goddess with lotus (es) vase, abhayamudra and varadamudra and kurma depicted on the pedestals of Vishnu and his avataras from Khajuraho. On the basis of the above evidences and concurrences from literature it has been suggested that many of the images which are identified as Lakshmi or Gajalakshmi, especially in the early times, particularly in Buddhist context are in fact Bhudevi or Gajabhudevi, which may have very well continued into the medieva depictions, which has to be ascertained on the basis of the affiliation of the site or shrine as the case may be. The transition of the imagery of Bhudevi to be assimilated and represented as that of Lakshmi did not take place before the Gupta period and that too even afterwards is not applicable as a universal phenomenon.

Authors:
J. Manuel: Senior Research Fellow, Dr. V.S. Wakankar Archaeological Research Institute, Bhopal.
T.R. Sharma: Joint Director General, Archaeological Survey of India, 24 Tilak Marg, New Delhi.
K.K. Verma: Deputy Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Jabalpur Circle, Jabalpur & Curator (i/c), ASI Museum, Khajuraho.
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2024.49.8

Price: 101

Cultural Heritage, Cities and Sustainable Urban Development: A Case Study of Assam Type Houses in Guwahati

By: Madhuri Saikia

Page No : 137-149

Abstract
Cultural heritage are the pride of every nation, every people and they are non-renewable resources having outstanding universal value. They belong to the world and today they are an integral part of the urbanised cities. Many of the cultural heritage sites are facing serious threats from climate change leading to irreparable damage because they are old and fragile. Cultural heritage resources are identity markers and they are central to the development of a city and its future growth. Culture is an essential component of a safe, resilient and sustainable urban settlement which is desired by all.
    Taking examples from the Assam Type houses spread across Uzanbazar and Panbazar areas of Guwahati in Assam in India, which are considered to be the heart of the city, the paper attempts to study about the creation of urban resilience from cultural heritage and traditional knowledge point of view. The Assam Type houses which came into existence from 1897 after the Great Assam Earthquake are considered to be identity markers of the state of Assam. Materials found in the midst of nature are used to build these houses. Besides being elegant, these Assam Type houses are light in weight and have been designed in such a way so that they can withstand the tremor in case of an earthquake as Assam is situated in a seismically sensitive area. These houses are no longer built now a days. Guwahati is a growing metropolis today with steel and glass houses which has changed the look of the landscape. However, it is felt that for those Assam Type houses which continue to exist, their preservation amidst the global vertical and horizontal growth of the city is essential for the promotion of cultural expression and ensuring liveability in the cities besides giving cities a vibrant life.

Author:
Madhuri Saikia: Associate Professor, Department of History, Dakshin Kamrup College, Mirza, Assam
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2024.49.9

Price: 101

Role of Sattra (Vaishnavite Monasteries) in the Socio-Economic Sphere of Majuli, Assam

By: Dipannita Das

Page No : 151-165

Abstract
This article is based of a detailed study on the socio-economic aspects of Sattras in Assam. Other than revenue system, these Sattras have income generating sources like masks, manuscripts, handcrafts, incense sticks, pottery, metallurgical industries etc. The Sattras are situated in the isle of Majuli in Assam, which is known to be the largest inhabited fresh water river island in the world. Set amidst the mighty Brahmaputra, the only mythical male river, Majuli enjoys the status of a peerless bio-diversity hotspot. The word ‘Sattra’ has its origin in Rigveda and it is significant that being a Vedic word it has been in extensive use in religious scriptures, Sanskrit literature and in other regional literature till today. The Sattra institution of Assam is a hallmark of the religio-cultural resurgence brought about by the Bhakti movement in Assam during the 15th-16th century.

Author:
Dipannita Das: 
PhD Research Scholar, Monad University, Hapur, Uttar Pradesh
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2024.49.10

Price: 101

A Note on the Shvetadvipa of Angkor

By: Sachchidanand Sahai

Page No : 167-171

Abstract
Svetadvipa, literally meaning "White Island" is a notion from Vedic cosmology, referring to a transcendental island in the Milk Ocean where Lord Vishnu sits. This paper outlines an ocean-like vast water body — the West Baray — considered to the abode of Vishnu,constructed in the 11th century AD in Angkor in Cambodia. While citing the inscriptional evidences from Preah Khan, an attempt has been made to highlight the significance of the West Baray in the context of Angkor.

Author:
Dr. Sachchidanand Sahai
Bualuang ASEAN Chair Professor, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand
Advisor to Apsara Authority, Siem Riep, Cambodia
Former Chair, Department Ancient Indian and Asian Studies, Magadh University, Bodh Gaya
Former National Professor of Epigraphy, Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2024.49.11

Price: 101

New Findings from Ahichchhatra Archaeological Site

By: Dibishada Brajasundar Garnayak , Vivek K. Singh , Mukesh Kumar , Rajesh K. Meena

Page No : 173-182

Abstract
The spadework in the southern side of the pyramidal structure locally known as Bhim-Gada in Ahichchhatra archaeological site revealed some significant terracotta plaques and other associated artifacts belonging to the pre-Gupta period to 12th century CE. These findings show uniqueness in the art tradition of Ahichchhatra and have not been documented in the site and its neighbouring areas so far. A terracotta plaque depicts the narrative scene of Trideva along with Rishi gana and stylistically resembles with the sculptural art of Gandhara region. The physical features resembling with the Yaksha figurines generally seen in the Indo-Greek art dated to the early Common Era have been described along with other findings in this paper.

Authors:
Dibishada Brajasundar Garnayak: Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Puri Circle, Odisha.
Vivek K. Singh: Assistant Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Meerut Circle, Uttar Pradesh.
Mukesh Kumar: Assistant Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Meerut Circle, Uttar Pradesh.
Rajesh K. Meena: Conservation Assistant, Archaeological Survey of India, Meerut Circle, Uttar Pradesh.
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2024.49.12

Price: 101

Book Review
Manjil Hazarika and Y.S. Sanathana. 2024. Pragjyotisha- Kamarupa: An Archaeological History. New Delhi: Research India Press

By: Lupamudra Saikia

Page No : 183-186

Author:
Lupamudra Saikia:
PhD Research Student, Department of Archaeology, Cotton University, Guwahati

Price: 101

Instruction to the Author

The manuscript for publication should be submitted by Email to the Editor (Dr. Sachchidanand Sahai, Email: ssahai4@hotmail.com) or through the online submission link of the journal (https://southeastasianreview.com/index.html), written in English with British spelling with a cover letter addressed to the Editor.

Reference Style Guidelines

All references must be cited in the text or tables with author-years style. Examples for preparing the reference:

• Diamond, J. and P. Bellwood. 2003. Farmers and their languages: the first expansions. Science 300 (5619): 597-603

• Paddayya, K. 1990. Theoretical Perspectives in Indian Archaeology: A Historical Review, in Theory in Archaeology - A World Perspective, ed. P.J. Ucko, pp. 110-149. London: Routledge.

• Sahai, S. 2007. The Bayon of Angkor Thom. Bangkok: White Lotus.

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