12th-13th February
International conference “The Monsoon: The Sphere of Cultural and Trade Influence“, organised jointly by the Advanced Study Institute of Asia (ASIA) at SGT University with Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) and Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is a significant academic initiative that explores the deep historical, economic, and cultural connections between India, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Scheduled for 12th-13th February 2025, at IGNCA, this conference will bring together an esteemed panel of scholars, historians, cultural heritage experts, and interdisciplinary scholars to foster dialogue on the shared past and its influence on contemporary regional dynamics.
The conference forms a critical component of ASIA’s larger project, which seeks to document and analyse the interwoven histories of trade, maritime networks, and cultural exchange. Through an interactive digital platform, academic publications, and extensive research, the project aims to create a lasting resource that enhances scholarly understanding and public awareness of the Monsoon region’s historical significance.
Key Themes and Discussions
The concept of connected histories lies at the heart of this conference, emphasizing the reciprocal influences between India and Southeast Asia. This approach challenges traditional narratives of one-way cultural diffusion and instead highlights the dynamic exchanges that shaped the region’s development. Prominent scholars such as Dr. Prabir De, Dr. Srikant Kesnur, Dr. Mahalingam M, Prof. André Wink, Dr. Parul Pandya Dhar, Lt. Cdr. Neeraj Vashisth, Dr. Raj Kumar Sharma, and Prof. Sabaree Mitra will contribute their insights into maritime history, governance models, artistic traditions, and intellectual exchanges. These experts, from diverse disciplines, will offer fresh perspectives on the mechanisms of cultural transmission and adaptation over centuries.
Furthermore, scholars and researchers from various prestigious institutions, including Tsinghua University (China), the University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University (Delhi), Évora University (Portugal), Central University of Jharkhand, Aligarh Muslim University, Central University of Punjab, Magadh University, and Lucknow University, among others, will be participating.
The conference aims to explore a wide range of topics through various perspectives. While the primary themes include those listed below, they are not limited to these alone.
- Indian Influence on Southeast Asian Heritage Sites
- Cultural Diplomacy and Historical Connections
- The Spread of Indian Religious Traditions
- Trade Routes and Cultural Exchange
- Indianization and Hybrid Cultures
- Language, Literature, and Religious Texts
- Trade, Travel, and Religious Pilgrimages
- Innovation in Ancient Trade and Commerce
- Spices, Textiles, and Luxury Goods
- Port Cities as Hubs of Innovation and Cultural Exchange
Conference Highlights
The event will feature a series of keynote addresses, paper presentations, and panel discussions. The keynote session will provide a foundational discourse on India’s role as a cultural and economic hub, with a focus on maritime trade and intellectual exchange. Scholars will examine the transmission of Hindu-Buddhist traditions, linguistic influences, and the architectural legacy of Indian cultural expansion in Southeast Asia.
Additionally, the conference will explore the concept of Indianization—a contested term in historical scholarship. While some historians argue that Indian influence in Southeast Asia was a one-directional imposition, others, like André Wink and I.W. Mabbett, propose a more nuanced understanding of mutual adaptation and localized integration. Discussions will also address the significance of the Mandala governance model, which shaped political structures in Southeast Asian polities, and the process of Sanskritization, which contributed to linguistic and religious transformations in the region.
Interactive and Collaborative Aspects
Beyond academic discussions, the conference will also host a gallery exhibition featuring historical maps, and visual representations of Indo-Southeast Asian interactions. The digital platform launch will showcase a repository of trade routes, heritage sites, and scholarly interpretations, ensuring the accessibility and sustainability of the research conducted under the project. Cultural performance will complement the academic discourse, highlighting the enduring legacy of shared traditions.
Please find the tentative agenda below:
Link for registration: https://forms.gle/KJQ3PLy1EoruXeTJ6
Certification of participation will be provided to all attendees
