"Exploring the Philippines' Historic Link with Hinduism: Tracing the Influences on Language, Religion, and Art"

 

Introduction:

The Philippines has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from various civilizations that have come and gone throughout its history. One of the most significant influences on the Philippines is Hinduism, which dates back to the 9th century CE. In this blog post, we will explore the Philippines' historic link with Hinduism.

The Arrival of Hinduism in the Philippines:

Historians believe that Hinduism arrived in the Philippines through Indian traders who came to the archipelago to do business. These traders brought with them not just goods but also their religion, which they shared with the locals. Over time, Hinduism spread throughout the Philippines, particularly in the southern region.

One of the most notable artifacts that attest to the arrival of Hinduism in the Philippines is the Laguna Copperplate Inscription, which was discovered in Laguna in 1989. The inscription, which dates back to 900 CE, contains an early form of the Tagalog language and mentions a person named Namwaran, who was granted a pardon by a ruler named Jayadewa.

The inscription also refers to a temple and a sacred fire, which suggests that Hinduism was already being practiced in the Philippines at the time.

Hindu Influences on Philippine Culture:

The influence of Hinduism on Philippine culture is evident in many aspects of Filipino life, including language, religion, and art.

For example, many Filipino words have their roots in Sanskrit, which is the language of Hinduism. Words like budhi (wisdom), guru (teacher), and karma (destiny) are just a few examples of Sanskrit words that are still used in the Filipino language today.

In terms of religion, Hinduism had a significant impact on the development of Philippine mythology and folklore. Many of the gods and goddesses in Philippine mythology, such as Bathala, Mayari, and Tala, have Hindu origins. The epic poem, "Biag ni Lam-ang," which tells the story of a heroic warrior, also shows Hindu influences.

Finally, Hindu art and architecture can be seen in many Filipino structures, such as the San Agustin Church in Manila. This church, which was built in the 16th century, features intricate carvings and designs that are reminiscent of Hindu temples.

The Influence of Hinduism on Philippine Dance:

Hinduism also had an influence on Philippine dance. One of the most popular Philippine dances, the "Singkil," has its roots in Hindu mythology. The dance tells the story of the princess Gandingan who, while escaping a forest fire, had to cross a river by jumping from one log to another.

The dance features elaborate footwork and movements that symbolize the princess's journey across the river. The dance is usually performed by female dancers who wear traditional costumes and jewelry.

Influence on Philippine Cuisine:

Hinduism also had an influence on Philippine cuisine. Indian traders brought with them a variety of spices and herbs that are still used in Philippine cooking today. Some examples include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger.

The influence of Hinduism on Philippine cuisine is also evident in dishes such as the "palitaw," a sweet rice cake that is flavored with coconut and sugar. The dish is believed to have originated from the Indian dish, "patoli," which is made with rice flour and stuffed with sweet coconut filling.

Influence on Philippine Music:

Hinduism also had an influence on Philippine music. One of the most popular Philippine instruments, the "kulintang," is believed to have originated from the Indian "khol" or "mridangam" drum.

The kulintang is a set of small, brass gongs that are played by striking them with a mallet. The instrument is usually played in an ensemble with other instruments such as the agung (larger gongs), dabakan (drums), and tambur (lute).

The music played on the kulintang is believed to have its roots in Hindu music, particularly the music of the gamelan orchestras of Indonesia.

Influence on Philippine Architecture:

Hinduism also had an influence on Philippine architecture. One example of this is the use of the "lingam" or phallic symbol in Philippine architecture. The lingam is a symbol of the Hindu god Shiva and is often used in Hindu temples as a representation of his power.

In the Philippines, the lingam is often found in the design of the "bahay na bato," a type of house that was popular during the Spanish colonial period. The bahay na bato features a ground floor made of stone and an upper floor made of wood.

The design of the house is believed to have been influenced by Hindu architecture, particularly the use of the lingam as a symbol of power.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Philippines' historic link with Hinduism is evident in many aspects of Philippine culture, from literature to music to architecture. The arrival of Hinduism in the Philippines through Indian traders brought with it a rich cultural heritage that has endured to this day.

The Hindu influences on Philippine culture also serve as a reminder of the Philippines' connections to the broader Southeast Asian region and its role in the development of regional cultural exchanges.

Overall, the influence of Hinduism on Philippine culture is a fascinating aspect of its cultural heritage that continues to inspire and inform contemporary Philippine art, music, and literature.