Weakness Of Brahmin Theory Called The Hindu-Buddha Spreader In The Archipelago

Weakness of Brahmin theory. (Pixabay)

YOGYAKARTA - Indonesia is one of the areas influenced by Hindu-Buddha culture. When referring to historical records, Hindu-Buddha began to enter Indonesia in around the 4th or 5th centuries. One proof of this is the existence of Hindu-Buddha-style kingdoms in Indonesia in early AD, for example the Kingdom of Kutai, Tarumanegara, Ancient Mataram, and Sriwijaya.

There are various theories that explain the origin of Hindu-Buddhaism entering Indonesia. The theory that mentions the Indian nation as the holder of an active role in the process of the inclusion of Hindu-Buddha religious influence in Indonesia is Brahmin theory. Below is an explanation of the advantages and weaknesses of Brahmin theory.

According to Brahmin theory, the entry of Hindu religions and culture into Indonesia was brought by the Brahmins, namely groups that controlled the material of Hindu teachings, customs, knowledge, and religion. It is said that the Brahmins arrived in Indonesian territory at the invitation of kings in Indonesia in the early century. With more ability in terms of Hinduism, history experts have the belief that the Brahmins who have a role in the spread of Hinduism in Indonesian territory. The originator of the Brahmin theory is a scientist from Europe named JC van Leur.

Brahmins are the group that knows best and understands Hindu teachings. The spread of Hindu teachings can be said to be their duty. In addition, historical discoveries about inscriptions in Indonesia that use Sanskrit are considered the same as the language used in India. Sanskrit is a high-class language in Hindu culture and not everyone has the ability to read or write it down. Because, only the Brahmins who speak Sanskrit, so most likely this group spread Hinduism in Indonesia.

In addition to evidence whose accuracy is less sharp, there are also those who deny that Brahmin's theory is inappropriate when it comes to the spread of Hinduism in Indonesia. This is related to ancient Hindu teachings which say that the Brahmins have a prohibition or are not allowed to cross the oceans and leave their homeland. If that happens, then they risk losing their right to caste as a Brahmana.

Another weakness of Brahmin's theory is about Sanskrit and Pallawa scripts. Basically, these languages and letters were probably only controlled by the Brahmins at that time.

Meanwhile, the kings did not have the ability to read it, so they needed the abilities of the Brahmins.

Another questionable weakness is whether the brahmana that spread Hindu-Buddha to Indonesia was present in advance or not. Because, this will be contrary when juxtaposed with other theories such as the Knight (conductor) and Waisya (trader).

Such is the review of the advantages and weaknesses of Brahmin theory which is said to be the spreader of Hindu-Buddha in the archipelago. Hopefully this information will be useful! Visit VOI.id to get other interesting information.