A brief history about Thailand’s stunning architecture and religious art

Thailand is blessed with unique and vibrant cultural and religious diversity that shapes the architecture. It so aptly shapes the country’s rich heritage. Read on to know more. While enjoying and appreciating the rich and unique architecture, especially temple architecture, it is very apt that we spend some time talking about the rich and diverse religious art of Thailand. The religious art mirrors the rich cultural diversity and heritage. Though the tourists associate its religious art and architecture with Buddhism and that should not be surprising, seeing that 95% of the population is Buddhist, but the remaining 5% of the other religions have too left their own unique footprints all across Thailand. Let’s a deeper look into it. Hinduism. Before Thailand became what it is today, it was divided into different areas, which were ruled by dynasties who have strong influences from the neighbouring countries. The Khmer empire of Burma was one such influence. The Sukhothai brought the Khmer influences back to Thailand. So, back in the 10th century, there was an interesting amalgamation of Hinduism and Buddhism. It is said that the main shift in the cultural influence came when the Khmer empire moved its capital from Angkor Wat to Phnom Penh. This move bought many Cambodians to Thailand who bought Hinduism to Thailand. So, the Hindu religion and symbolism soon immerged in the temple art and architecture. The presence of Garuda, Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesh in Thai temples became a common sight. Muslim.  Islam is the second-largest religious group in Thailand, and most of their religious art is reflected through various mosques. These mosques are influenced by Chinese, Arab and Indian designs. Muslims in Thailand are known to share similar cultural beliefs with Buddhist Thais. That is the reason why we find many patterns on mosques that could be traced back to quintessential Thai art. Christianity.  Christianity came quite late in Thailand, almost in the mid of the 16th century in Ayutthaya. Then by the 19th century American Baptist, Presbyterian, and Protestant came along. Now, the art on Thai Christian churches have absolutely no influence on Thai art and architecture. Buddhism. Despite all the influence from other religions, Buddhism shines on in each and every religious art in Thailand. The use of Gold, the tiered roof, the typical colour scheme of orange, green, red and white all dominate the major Thai temple and monasteries. The fusion of various religions has an interesting influence on the vibrancy of architecture and religious art.