Intercultural Exchange in Southeast Asia: History and Society in the Early Modern World

(Hardback)

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At the dawn of European colonialism, the Southeast Asian region encompassed some of the most diverse and influential cultures in early modern history. The circulation of people, commodities, ideas and beliefs along the key trading routes, from the eastern edge of the Mughal empire to the southern Chinese border, stimulated some of the great cultural and political achievements of the age. This volume highlights the multifarious dimensions of exchange in eight fascinating case studies written by leading experts from the fields of History, Anthropology, Musicology and Art History. Intercultural Exchange in Southeast Asia explores religious change at both ends of the social spectrum, examining the factors which led to or impeded the conversion of kings to new faiths, as well as those which affected the conversion of the marginal communities of mercenaries and renegades.
The artistic and cultural refashioning of new religions such as Christianity to suit local needs and sensibilities is highlighted in the Philippines, Siam, Vietnam and the Malay world while detailed analyses of scientific exchanges in maritime southeast Asia highlight the role of local agents, especially women, in the transmission of knowledge and beliefs. The articulation and cultural expression of power relations is addressed in chapters on colonial urban design and the use of music in diplomatic exchanges. This book utilises rare and unpublished sources to shed new light on the processes, strategies, and consequences of exchanges between cultures, societies and individuals and will be essential reading for those interested in the cultural and political origins of modern Asia.

Reviews

'This book is an important contribution to the growing body of research on the global flows of knowledge that make the early modern period a time of special significance in world history. The collection presents sparkling new research that explores the interactive exchanges between European missionaries, natural scientists, adventurers, musicians, ship captains, merchants, and Southeast Asian societies. Highlighting the personal relationships that infused expanding networks fo cultural production in a period too often defined simply in terms of trading connections, this engaging and accessible book will be welcomed by teachers and students alike.' - Barbara Watson Andaya, University of Hawai'i 'Neither colonialism nor nationalism was kind to the manifold hybridities and borrowings that characterise this colourful region. Now at last the fascinating interactions are being explored in books such as this. It shows not only how enterprising individuals were able to enrich music, religion, science, and medicine by crossing the usual boundaries, but what a creative role was played by Southeast Asian women in the process. There are jewels in here for all, as well as new revelations and understandings for the scholars.' - Anthony Reid, author of Southeast Asi a in the Age of Commerce

Author Bio

Tara Alberts is Lecturer in History at the University of York. D.R.M. Irving is Lecturer in Music at the University of Nottingham.