101
'Whatever nay have been tae original dedication
of the temple, it \vas at some early date converted to
Buddhist uses, for fee galleries are full of i:fe-s:ze
images of the Buddha, very finely carved in sand stone
and T,vith seven fold hooded cobras rising fan-like behind
their heads.'
\Ve, therefore, find Siam rich in artistic monu-
ments both Hindu and Buddhist. Though Buddhism
is now the prevailing religion of Siam, Hinduism has a
small following in Siam. The monasteries of Siam
are full of diverse images of Buddha. Hinduism pre-
ceded Buddhism in Siam, so we get a large number
of Hindu images, of Brahma3 Yifjju, Siva, LaksmI,
Ganesa and ethers.
Chapter VIII.
RELIGION OF SIAM
The state religion of Siam at present is Buddhism.
It is the religion of the king as well as the people of
Siam. Buddhism is essentially Indian in character. It
came from India through Cambodia and Ceylon. In-
dia has given to Siam her religions: Hinduism and
Buddhism, her sacred language Pali with its vast lite-
rature, her system of writing, her art and sculpture.
The culture of Siam is thus Indian. This Siamese cul-
ture is again in the hands of the Buddhist monks, who
are about IOO.COD in number 'attached to about 20,000
monasteries' (or Vat as known in Siamese).
Buddhism came to Siam through Cambodia in
A. D. 422. Though the introduction of Buddlrsm,
may, thus, be traced back to the fifth century A. D.,