Persecution of ŚAIVAS and Their Migration to South India from Southeast Asia During 12th-13th Centuries
By K. V. Ramakrishna Rao
Summary
The article examines the historical persecution of Śaivites and Vaishnavites in 12th-13th century Burma under King Anawrahta, who imposed Theravada Buddhism as the state religion. It highlights the forced conversion of Hindu believers, particularly Śaivites and Vaishnavites, and their subsequent migration to South India. The text discusses the role of tantric practices, the influence of South Indian Buddhist institutions, and the accommodation of pre-existing Hindu deities like the "Thirty-seven Nats" within Theravada Buddhism. It also explores the impact of political patronage on religious conflicts, the destruction of temples, and the persistence of Hindu cultural elements in Burmese religious practices. The analysis draws on archaeological evidence, historical chronicles, and scholarly interpretations to argue that Theravada Buddhism in Burma was heavily influenced by and intertwined with earlier Hindu traditions, particularly Śaivism and Vaishnavism. The article critiques the historical narratives that overlook pre-Theravada religious practices in Burma, emphasizing the continuity of indigenous beliefs despite political and religious upheavals.
Conclusion
This document highlights the significant religious and cultural upheavals in 12th-13th century Burma, particularly under Anawrahta’s rule, which saw the forced conversion of Śaivas and Vaishnavites to Theravada Buddhism and their subsequent persecution. The mass destruction of Hindu temples, the seizure of religious idols, and the suppression of native beliefs underscore the violent imposition of a new religious order. The influx of South Indian Buddhist institutions further complicated the religious landscape, leading to internal conflicts among Buddhist sects and with remaining Hindu groups. Archaeological evidence and historical accounts suggest a deliberate erasure of pre-Theravada religious practices, including the assimilation of Hindu deities into the new Buddhist framework. The long-term impact of these events includes the displacement of Hindu communities to South India and the enduring cultural memory of suppressed beliefs, as seen in the continued reverence for the "Thirty-seven Nats." The study emphasizes the need to preserve and critically analyze historical and archaeological