Indian traders
Discovered in the river bed near Site 4 in Kedah's Bujang Valley, this roof of a miniature bronze shrine bears a striking resemblance to the wagon roof of a temple in Mahabalipuram, South India.
Malaysia came into contact with India in late prehistoric times, but evidence remains vague. Indian literature provides proof that Indian traders visited early Malaysia, although it is still not sure whether they, or the more active seafaring Southeast Asian traders, were responsible for bringing Indian cultural ideas to Malaysia. This communication had important effects on early societies, particularly in Kedah which, as archaeological and historical evidence suggests, was always the main focus of Indian commercial interests in Malaysia.
- Information in the full article includes
- The evolution of South Asian culture and religion
- The appearance of Indian culture in Malaysia
- Kedah as the focus of Indian commerce