Article Abstract 2

The Bay of Bengal has historically served as a dynamic maritime corridor, facilitating not only trade but also the profound cross-cultural transmission of knowledge and socio-political frameworks between South and Southeast Asia. This paper examines the enduring journey of the Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, across this conduit, emphasizing their foundational role as vital educational and pedagogical tools within early Indianized kingdoms. By analyzing the intersection of maritime history and cultural diplomacy, the study explores how Hindu priests and Buddhist monks utilized these epic narratives in educational missions to impart complex moral philosophies, governance models (rajadharma), and societal norms to both royal courts and the broader public. Furthermore, the paper highlights the localization of these texts, such as the Ramakien in Thailand and the Kakawin Ramayana in Indonesia, demonstrating how they were assimilated into indigenous educational traditions, performing arts, and visual learning tools like temple bas-reliefs. Ultimately, this research underscores the significance of the Bay of Bengal as a space of continuous educational exchange, illustrating how ancient literary diplomacy shaped the pedagogical and socio-political landscapes of Southeast Asia, offering enduring insights for contemporary cross-cultural dialogue.
Keywords: Maritime History, Cultural Diplomacy, Indian Epics, Pedagogical Traditions, Cross-Cultural Exchange, Moral Education