Indian Culture Has Influenced Not Only India but Also the World: Dr. G. B. Deglurkar
“Suvarnadvipa” Book Released in Pune; Highlights the Legacy of Indian Culture in Indonesia
Pune: Indonesia stands as a remarkable example of how Indian culture has left a lasting impact far beyond the borders of India, said renowned archaeologist Dr. G. B. Deglurkar. Recalling a statement made by Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, he noted, “We may be Muslims by religion, but we are Hindus by culture,” highlighting the enduring influence of Indian traditions in the country.
The book “Suvarnadvipa: Hindu-Buddhist Kingdoms of Ancient Indonesia,” which explores the history of Hindu-Buddhist culture, traditions, and kingdoms in ancient Indonesia, was formally released at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. The book was unveiled by former Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), Dr. A. P. Jamkhedkar, in the presence of chief guest and former Vice-Chancellor of Deccan College, Dr. G. B. Deglurkar, who presided over the event. Authors Ruta Umbarje and Sangeeta Chaphekar, along with Dr. Ambarish Khare, Vibha Oak, publisher Parag Purandare, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
In his presidential address, Dr. Deglurkar cited several examples of the global reach of Indian culture. He pointed out that the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata continue to occupy an important place in Indonesia’s cultural life. He also referred to the contributions of Maharshi Agastya in Indonesia and recalled anecdotes related to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee that reflected India’s cultural links with the country.
Dr. Jamkhedkar emphasized the reverence that Indonesians continue to hold for their ancient temples. Despite being a Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia has preserved and protected its Hindu temples with great care. He also noted that several Western historians, while studying the influence of Indian civilization in Southeast Asia, described the region as the “Indianized States of Southeast Asia.”
Author Ruta Umbarje highlighted examples of Indian cultural influence on the islands of Java and Bali. She explained that local societies adopted concepts from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranic traditions, adapting them to their own cultural contexts. While names and certain details may have changed, the core ideas remain distinctly Indian. She also noted that magnificent sculptural depictions of the Ramayana can still be seen in Javanese temples.
Speaking on the occasion, Sangeeta Chaphekar said that Indian culture spread not through conquest but through trade, religion, philosophy, art, and cultural exchange. Indian merchants and scholars carried ideas and traditions to Southeast Asia, where interaction with local cultures led to the development of unique and independent cultural traditions. She emphasized that Indian culture is inherently dialogic and has never been imposed on others.
Dr. Ambarish Khare spoke about his extensive research into Indonesia’s language, art, architecture, inscriptions, history, and geography. He observed that traces of Indian culture remain visible throughout Indonesia today. The country’s national emblem is Garuda, and its national airline, Garuda Indonesia, derives its name from the same mythological figure. He further noted that even among many Muslim families, there remains deep respect for Hindu traditions, and texts such as the Bhagavad Gita are introduced to younger generations.
The event was compered by Ms. Manjiri Shahane.