The Spread Of Hinduism Into Medieval China

The Spread Of Hinduism Into China Was Most Likely The Result Of Trading Relationships. But were there other factors? Although, nowadays Hinduism is very rare in China, it was highly popular in medieval China. There are even archaeological evidences.

The Spread Of Hinduism Into China Was Most Likely The Result Of Trading Relationships

Hinduism never gained as much popularity in China as Buddhism of Confucianism. But in some regions, such as parts of Tibet, Hinduism dominated.

The presence of Hinduism in China can be observed in many ways. Because it left its prints on the Chinese culture. The most pronounced evidence of Hinduism in China represent the “6 schools” or “6 doctrines”. But there are also the stupas. Which later became Pagodas. And there is also evidence, that in Medieval China, yoga was more popular than today.

The Spread Of Hinduism Into China Was Most Likely The Result Of Trading Relationship. Otherwise, we can hardly explain the formation of Hindu communities in South-Eastern China. In other worlds, at the closest between China and India, small communities of Hindus formed. They were mostly merchants and their families. Who were making tradings with the Chinese.

In this region, archaeologists found the remains of a Siva temple. Also known as the temple of Quanzhou. This and another temple were found in the old port region. Where trading between the Chinese and foreigners was more pronounced.

The Spread Of Hinduism Into China Was Most Likely The Result Of Trading Relationships – The Influence of Hinduism In China

There are numerous regions where small Hindu communities formed over the years of trading. The most popular of these regions are:

• Port Guangdong
• Port Quanzhou
• Kamrup route, Yunnan
• Tsung-Ling Route
• Nepal Route

As you can see, these were all ports of routes. Which were used for trading and traveling. Numerous Hindus and Buddhist monks used these routes and ports to spread their beliefs. Although Hindus were more focused on trading, than spreading Hinduism. On the other hand, Buddhist monks traveled to these regions only to spread Buddhism. Hence, Buddhism became more popular in China, than Hinduism.

In conclusion, The Spread Of Hinduism Into China Was Most Likely The Result Of trading relationships. But the Hindu travelers had also a big influence in the spreading of Hinduism. Although the spread was minor. And it was only felt in important trading regions like ports and routes. This is why other religions, such as Buddhism and Confucianism had more success in China.