Buddhist Art in the Dvaravati Period: Dissemination of Art and Teachings in Buddhism

Abstract

This article examines the meaning of Buddhist art in the Dvaravati period, including the spread of Buddhism in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand. Buddhist art in the Dvaravati era reflects the connection between art, culture, and the teachings of Buddhism, showcasing faith in Buddhism and its significant role in Thai society during the 12th to 16th Buddhist centuries. Indian influences on art, such as Buddha images, dharma wheels, stupas, and chedis, served as tools for disseminating Buddhist teachings and establishing a unique Buddhist artistic identity. During this era, the propagation of Buddhism began in the reign of Emperor Ashoka, with missionaries Sona and Uttara traveling to Suvarnabhumi, leading to the establishment of a religious center in central Thailand, including Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom Province. The migration of Indians to spread religion, as well as trade, promoted cultural and artistic diversity in Thailand. The role of Buddhist art became a symbol of dharma, representing the teachings and the aspiration towards nirvana. Dvaravati Buddhist art is an essential heritage that has influenced Thai culture to the present day.