The earliest phase of Thai history is an exciting but little understood period that bridged the gap between protohistory and the fully developed historical period. Ten international scholars examine the inception of the Dvāravatī period in the fifth century with a focus on archaeology and consider the art and architecture of the sixth to tenth centuries. Defining Dvāravatī provides an overview of the art historical characteristics of Dvāravatī style; collates the epigraphic evidence, including previously unpublished texts; considers the importance of trade and religion in cementing relationships between early Southeast Asian societies and as paramount incentives for its expansion and development; and discusses the end of the period.

This book analyses a group of Buddhist sculptures from ancient Southeast Asia, putting them into their historical, religious, and artistic context and then traces their relationship with art from India and elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

This book analyses a group of Buddhist sculptures from ancient Southeast Asia, putting them into their historical, religious, and artistic context and then traces their relationship with art from India and elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

The first full history of a great commercial and political center that rose in Asia over almost five centuries.

Using the archaeological record, O'Reilly traces the rise of the state in Southeast Asia in a general synthesis.

Beneath the modern skyscrapers of Singapore lie the remains of a much older trading port, prosperous and cosmopolitan and a key node in the maritime Silk Road. This book synthesizes 25 years of archaeological research to reconstruct the 14th-century port of Singapore in greater detail than is possible for any other early Southeast Asian city. The picture that emerges is of a port where people processed raw materials, used money, and had specialized occupations. Within its defensive wall, the city was well organized and prosperous, with a cosmopolitan population that included residents from China, other parts of Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean. Fully illustrated, with more than 300 maps and colour photos, Singapore and the Silk Road of the Sea presents Singapore's history in the context of Asia's long-distance maritime trade in the years between 1300 and 1800: it amounts to a dramatic new understanding of Singapore's pre-colonial past.

Nidhi Eoseewong is the most innovative, famed, and controversial Thai historian of his generation. This book founded his reputation and is the first of his major works to appear in English. On its publication in Thai, he was immediately hailed as "a major historian, the most capable of the present era." Pen and Sail combines intellectual history and economic history. Nidhi argues that the emergence of a market economy in the early Bangkok era (1782-1855) was the driving force behind a major change in mentality and worldview seen in poetry, early prose works, biographies of the Buddha, scripts for chanting the Jataka tales, language primers, manuals of behavior, and revisions of the royal chronicles. Nidhi Eoseewong's outstanding career as a historian and leading public intellectual was recognized by award of the prestigious Fukuoka Asia Prize in 2000.

The Rough Guide to Thailand in a new ePub format is the most accessible handbook to this beautiful and intriguing country. From Bangkok's vibrant night markets to stunning island beaches, the 24-page introduction pinpoints all of the country's highlights. There are details of all the best places to stay, eat and drink, to suit every budget, plus "Authors' Picks" to highlight the very best options. There is plenty of expert advice on a range of activities, from trekking and scuba-diving to cookery courses and spa treatments. The guide also takes a detailed look at Thailand's history, culture, religion and wildlife and comes complete with easy-to-read maps for every region.

This basic dictionary of South and Southeast Asian art offers clear and concise explanations of hundreds of useful terms. With over 1,300 entries and 112 line illustrations, this volume makes a handy reference for anyone interested and engaged in South and Southeast Asia Entries range from terms encountered in South and Southeast Asian history, religion, mythology, literature, to those specific to art and architecture, and are drawn from the diverse religious traditions of the region.

The Rough Guide to Thailand is the ultimate travel guide to one of Asia's most diverse and vibrant countries. The clear maps and detailed coverage will help you uncover the best that Thailand has to offer - from idyllic islands and atmospheric temples to fantastic street food and hill-tribe hikes The Rough Guide to Thailand offers insider information on everything from night markets and noodles to exploring the jungle and finding the quietest beaches, plus insider reviews of the best places to stay, eat and drink for all budgets, all brought to life by stunning photography. Whether you want to snorkel in the turquoise waters of the Andaman, explore ancient ruins or delve into the country's frenetic capital, The Rough Guide to Thailand will make sure you make the most of your time in Thailand.