Which belief system replaced many animistic traditions in Southeast Asia?

The belief system that replaced many animistic traditions in Southeast Asia is Buddhism. This shift occurred as Buddhism spread throughout the region, beginning around the 3rd century BCE, largely due to trade and cultural exchanges along the trade routes.

Buddhism offered a structured ethical framework and a comprehensive cosmology that appealed to many communities, often integrating with local beliefs and practices. As a result, it did not completely erase animistic traditions but facilitated their transformation and incorporation into a more complex religious landscape. This blending allowed various local deities and practices to coexist with Buddhist teachings, contributing to the unique forms of Buddhism practiced in different areas of Southeast Asia.

The other belief systems mentioned—such as Confucianism, Hinduism, and Islam—played important roles in the cultural and religious history of the region but did not replace animistic traditions to the same extent or in similar contexts. While Confucianism primarily influenced social and ethical structures, Hinduism mostly impacted specific cultures like Bali but was not as pervasive. Islam arrived later and became dominant in certain areas, but it did not engage with the pre-existing animistic beliefs as directly or pervasively as Buddhism did.