183. The Poet Kings: Taking Hinduism to Southeast Asia

In this episode of Empire, hosts Afua Hirsch and William Dalrymple delve into the cultural and economic history of South India, specifically focusing on the Pallava dynasty and the reign of Mahendra Varman Pallava. They discuss Mammalapuram, a city known for its ancient monuments, and explore Mahendra Varman's influence on devotional Hinduism, temple construction, and the arts. The conversation highlights the economic revival driven by international trade with Southeast Asia, the transmission of Indian culture across the Bay of Bengal, and the evolution of art, religion, and literature during this period, including the works of poet Dandin and the emergence of bhakti traditions. The hosts also touch on the adaptation of Hinduism in Southeast Asia, the role of merchant guilds, and the blending of Indian and local customs in art and architecture.