top of page
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Overview: INDIA: HOW IT SHAPED THE WORLD

  • Writer: Kerry Paul
    Kerry Paul
  • Jan 5
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jan 10


India, Southeast Asia, and New Zealand: A Tapestry of Exploration and Influence

Did you know that Indian explorers and traders did play a remarkable role in shaping Southeast Asia—and possibly even reached New Zealand several thousands of years ago? Historical analysis shows maritime routes connected Southeast Asia to the Pacific long before European explorers set sail. These Indian traders had both the motivation and the capabilities to explore far beyond Southeast Asia. This opens up the intriguing possibility that adventurous Indian expeditions, skilled in navigation and trade, journeyed across the seas to New Zealand, bringing with them rich cultural practices, agricultural techniques, and unique traditions.


Maritime Mastery and Motivation

Direction of monsoon winds
Direction of monsoon winds

India’s strategic location between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal made it the heart of a vast maritime network. Indian sailors mastered the monsoon winds, which blow in one direction for six months and then reverse, allowing ships to travel efficiently between India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. This natural advantage turned India into a hub for trade, migration, and exploration, connecting distant lands and peoples. Indian mariners were driven by curiosity, a thriving trade network, and a spirit of exploration, seeking new markets and cultural exchange.


Capabilities for Long-Distance Voyages

Indian sailors possessed advanced navigation skills, deep knowledge of the stars and ocean currents, and sophisticated shipbuilding techniques. These capabilities enabled them to undertake long and challenging voyages, possibly venturing as far south as New Zealand. Their journeys would have brought new ideas, technologies, and cultural practices, potentially creating the first human settlements in New Zealand.



Cultural and Technological Exchange

Trade was more than just the exchange of goods—it was a vehicle for ideas. Indian merchants and missionaries carried Hinduism and Buddhism across Southeast Asia, profoundly shaping the region’s spiritual and cultural landscape. Hindu kingdoms appeared in Indonesia as early as 2300 years ago, followed by Buddhist ones 2000 years ago. Local rulers adopted Indian concepts of kingship, statehood, and religious practices, blending them with their own traditions in a process known as “Indianization.” Iconic sites like Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur in Indonesia showcase this Indian imprint. In Myanmar, the ancient city of Bagan flourished with thousands of Buddhist temples, while Bali developed its unique form of Hinduism.



Linguistic and Scientific Legacy

Southeast Asia became a melting pot of cultures, with Indian influence visible in architecture, literature, and political systems. Many place names and languages in the region have roots in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India. India was also a centre of learning, attracting scholars from across Asia. Advances in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine spread through Southeast Asia, influencing scientific thought and practice.


Enduring Influence

Today, the religions, languages, and cultural practices of Southeast Asia bear the imprint of centuries of Indian influence, demonstrating the power of peaceful exchange and exploration. The possibility of Indian explorers reaching New Zealand celebrates the spirit of exploration and cultural exchange that connects diverse societies. As we look to the future, celebrating this shared history can help build even stronger ties across the region.


Read the Blog Series: India: How it Shaped the World


Comments

Kerry Paul Business man and blogger
Kerry Paul – Stepping Out of Your Bubble Author
​

Hi, I'm Kerry. I enjoy challenging people by asking questions and presenting different views to encourage critical thinking. My 45-year career has always had a global focus, building successful relationships in over 50 countries. I am empathetic to diverse views, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, culture, or socio-economic status. Join me on a captivating journey as we explore how India shaped the world over two thousand years ago, potentially leading to the first settlement of New Zealand. This blog series aims to expand readers' awareness and knowledge of how people may have come to New Zealand in pre-Polynesian times. Given the time constraints many readers face, I am providing a platform for them to consider these intriguing possibilities in easy-to-read blog posts.

 

Who were the first people to settle in New Zealand? How did India possibly contribute to any development, given its major role over 2000 years ago in some of New Zealand’s closest neighbours? These questions will guide our exploration and open up a rich dialogue about the historical connections and cultural exchanges that may have shaped New Zealand's early settlements.

 

I'd be more than happy to discuss with readers of my blog about India, its history as well as New Zealand and the suggested origins of its first settlers. 

bottom of page