27
These names of the cities of Indo-China prove
conclusively the extent of Indian influence in that
country.
The wave of Indian colonisation, as we have
already stated, came over first in Annam (Champa)
and Cambodia ( Camboja). Indian civilisation deeply
influenced both the Cfaams and Khmers. Indian
culture thus found its way into Indo-China. The re-
ligion, which the Indians brought with them, was
Hinduism. The cult of Siva and Visnu, therefore,
began to flourish there and magnificient temples were
dedicated to these gods of Btahmanic faith. In some
cases, these colonial temples were more grand than
those in the mainland of India. The superb temple
of Angkor-Vat may be cited as an instance on this
point. The magnificience of this temple can hardly
be surpassed by any Indian temple. It should, how-
ever, be borne in mind that, only through ths influence
of Indian art such a marvellous piece of work had
been possible. Indian art inspired the local artists
with the high ideals of art. It is vain to expect such
marvellous work of art from Khmers, the natives of
Camboja. It was not even possible for them to con-
ceive such grand monuments. With the colonists,
came bands of Indian architects, who trained the local
Khmer artists. The Indian artists gave inspiration to
local workmen and conceived such beautiful monu-
ments as are found scattered even now throughout
the K&mboja Desa.