What was the influence of Indian culture on Southeast Asia known as?

The term "Indianization" refers to the profound influence that Indian culture, religion, art, and political ideas had on various societies in Southeast Asia. This process began around the first few centuries CE and continued for several centuries, during which Indian merchants, priests, and missionaries traveled to Southeast Asian regions, sharing their culture.

Indianization involved the adoption of Hinduism and Buddhism as primary religions in Southeast Asia, which led to the establishment of kingdoms that reflected Indian political organization and social structures, alongside the development of unique local practices and adaptations. This cultural exchange was evident in art, architecture, literature, and governance that reflected Indian styles while merging with local traditions. The legacy of Indian influence is visible today in many of the cultural and religious practices, languages, and artistic expression found across Southeast Asia.

Other terms such as syncretism, cultural diffusion, and colonization may describe aspects of cultural interactions and exchanges, but Indianization specifically highlights the significant and distinctive impact of Indian civilization on Southeast Asian cultures during a particular historical period.