TRACING EARLY MARITIME SOUTHEAST ASIA THROUGH ARCHAEOLOGICAL ELEMENTS AND BENGAL’S CONTACT (400 BCE – 800 CE)

Abstract

Some archaeological evidence from early Bengal (the eastern coastal region of India) found in the different sites of the mainland and maritime Southeast Asia is the vital source for grasping the historical study of the immense process of `Indianisation.' The valuable archaeological elements are Northern Black Polished Wares, Rouletted Wares, Beads, Seals with Kharoshti-Brahmi scripts, prove of most elegant clothes and the concept of Temple Architecture from Bengal. This article is an endeavour to expose these elements to demonstrate the Bengal's connection behind the `Indianisation' process. In the initial stage (400BCE to 800 CE) of `Indianisation,' Bengal kept a vital role in this massive course along with other Indian regions (Tamil Nadu, Arikamedu, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa). This issue has drawn the attention of scholars from the last few generations. In the ancient period, there were some direct maritime trade routes from Bengal to the Southeast Asian region. Traders from other parts of India also used the ports of Bengal on the way towards Southeast Asia because of its strategic location. Some striking indications may come out from the study that will specify the role of Bengal behind the `Indianisation' process. This study followed the qualitative method with historical research that focuses on the archaeological findings, ancient literature, and secondary documents.